India has seen an explosive rise in the popularity of true crime series and documentaries. These shows don’t just entertain — they uncover hidden layers of society, justice, and human psychology. From gruesome murder mysteries to courtroom dramas and police investigations, Indian OTT platforms like Netflix, ZEE5, and Amazon Prime have transformed real-life crimes into thought-provoking stories that grip the audience till the very end.
In this blog, we explore the top Indian OTT series and documentaries based on true crime, delving deep into the real cases behind them — including where they happened, what led to the tragedy, and where you can watch them today.
Top OTT Series Based on True Crime in India Are:
1. Delhi Crime (Netflix)
About the Series
Delhi Crime is an award-winning Netflix series inspired by the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case that shocked the nation. Directed by Richie Mehta and starring Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal and Rajesh Tailang, it follows the Delhi Police team as they race against time to track down the perpetrators.
The Real Crime
The show is based on the 2012 Nirbhaya case, one of India’s most horrifying crimes. It showcases the investigation from the police’s perspective, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges officers faced while pursuing justice.
Location & Timeline
Set in Delhi, the incident occurred in December 2012. The series recreates the tense atmosphere of those days, focusing on the team’s commitment to solving the case swiftly and with integrity.
Why Watch
It’s more than a crime show — it’s a reflection of systemic flaws, public outrage and institutional resilience. Delhi Crime even won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, making it a global success.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Indian Predator (Netflix)
About the Series
Indian Predator is a gripping Netflix documentary franchise that dives into India’s most notorious murder cases. Each mini-series tells a different story through police files, interviews and psychological analysis.
Notable Installments
- The Butcher of Delhi: Follows Chandrakant Jha, who left dismembered bodies outside Tihar Jail with taunting notes between 2006–2007.
- The Diary of a Serial Killer: Chronicles a case in Uttar Pradesh involving multiple murders uncovered through a disturbing diary.
What Makes It Unique
Each part of Indian Predator is dark, raw and unsettling. The creators balance factual storytelling with cinematic reconstruction, making viewers question how such crimes went unnoticed for years.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths (Netflix)
About the Series
This chilling three-part documentary investigates the mysterious deaths of 11 members of the same family in Burari, Delhi, in 2018. Directed by Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra, it explores the psychological and social aspects of the tragedy.
The Real Case
On June 30, 2018, eleven family members were found dead under bizarre circumstances. The documentary explores whether it was mass suicide, ritual practice or something more sinister — through interviews, police statements and recovered diaries.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
The Burari case is one of India’s most puzzling tragedies. This documentary sensitively examines mental health, social pressure and the fine line between faith and delusion.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. Trial By Fire (Netflix)
About the Series
Based on the real-life Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in Delhi (1997), Trial By Fire portrays the decades-long legal battle fought by parents Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, who lost their children in the fire.
The Real Incident
A fire during a movie screening at Uphaar Cinema led to the deaths of 59 people due to locked exits and negligence. The victims’ families waged a long legal war for justice against powerful corporations and bureaucratic delays.
Cast and Performances
Rajshri Deshpande and Abhay Deol deliver moving performances that bring humanity to the real-life suffering of the victims and their families.
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. The Verdict: State vs Nanavati (ZEE5)
About the Series
This courtroom drama is based on the 1959 K. M. Nanavati case, which shook India’s legal system and media landscape. It narrates the story of Commander Nanavati, a naval officer who shot his wife’s lover in a moment of rage.
The Real Case
The case led to one of India’s last jury trials and changed how criminal justice was delivered in the country. It also inspired multiple Bollywood adaptations, including the film Rustom.
Why Watch
It’s an intriguing look at morality, passion, betrayal, and justice — all wrapped in the glamour of 1950s Bombay.
Where to Watch: ZEE5
6. State of Siege: 26/11 (ZEE5)
About the Series
State of Siege: 26/11 is a gripping retelling of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, seen through the eyes of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who led the counter-operation.
The Real Events
Between November 26–29, 2008, terrorists attacked several landmarks in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, CST railway station and Oberoi Trident. The series captures the bravery and sacrifice of the NSG teams who fought back.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike news coverage, the series goes behind the headlines to show the operational challenges, leadership decisions and the emotional toll on those who fought.
Where to Watch: ZEE5
7. Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case (Netflix)
About the Series
This documentary investigates the shocking Koodathayi cyanide murders from Kerala. Over 14 years, several family members died mysteriously — until evidence pointed toward Jolly Joseph.
The Real Crime
Between 2002 and 2016, six people from one family were allegedly poisoned using cyanide. The documentary retraces how suspicion grew, how investigators pieced together the truth, and how greed and manipulation tore a family apart.
Why Watch
It’s an unforgettable look at how everyday domestic life can hide unthinkable darkness. The storytelling is straightforward, sensitive, and deeply unsettling.
Where to Watch: Netflix
8. The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth (Netflix)
About the Series
This four-part documentary delves into the Sheena Bora murder case, which shocked India’s elite circles. It follows Indrani Mukerjea’s rise in the media industry and her subsequent involvement in one of the most controversial cases in recent memory.
The Real Case
Sheena Bora, daughter of Indrani Mukerjea, was reported missing in 2012. Years later, the case resurfaced with allegations of murder, deceit, and family betrayal. The series features interviews, court footage, and investigative details.
Why Watch
It captures how wealth, status, and ambition can twist personal relationships — and how media trials can shape public opinion before courts do.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Why True Crime Series Fascinate Viewers
True crime offers a mirror to society — reflecting its flaws, fears and moral dilemmas. These series stand out because they:
- Present authentic events backed by real investigation and journalism
- Encourage awareness about justice and mental health
- Keep viewers emotionally invested through empathy, not sensationalism
Each of these shows combines entertainment with education, making them must-watches for anyone interested in understanding real-life crimes that shaped India’s modern history.
Responsible Viewing Note
True crime stories often explore sensitive themes such as violence, trauma and loss. Viewers are advised to:
- Watch responsibly and take breaks when needed
- Verify facts through credible news sources or court documents
- Respect the privacy and dignity of victims and families
Conclusion
India’s true crime landscape has evolved beyond sensational reporting to thoughtful storytelling that respects facts and emotions. Whether it’s the investigative depth of Indian Predator or the emotional resonance of Trial By Fire, each series serves as a reminder that truth can be stranger — and more powerful — than fiction.
So, the next time you open Netflix or ZEE5, explore these remarkable stories that expose the darker side of human nature while keeping faith in justice alive.
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
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