Best Indian Crime Web Series Based on True Stories: The Ultimate Binge-Watch Guide (2026) 

From the dark alleys of Mumbai to the high-stakes corridors of Delhi, Indian OTT platforms have revolutionized storytelling. Today, viewers aren’t just looking for fiction; they want the chilling reality of true crime stories. If you are a fan of gritty realism and investigative drama, this list of the best Indian crime web series based on true events is for you.

Why True Crime is Taking Over Indian OTT

Indian audiences have shifted from "masala" movies to raw, unfiltered portrayals of real-life criminal cases. Series like Delhi Crime and Scam 1992 have set a gold standard, proving that reality is often stranger and scarier than fiction.

1. Delhi Crime (Netflix) – The Gold Standard

Based on: The 2012 Nirbhaya Case & Human Trafficking

• Key Keywords: Delhi Crime Season 3, Shefali Shah, true story web series Netflix

• The Plot: While Season 1 meticulously covered the investigation of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, the newly released Delhi Crime Season 3 dives into the harrowing world of international human trafficking.

• Why Watch: It remains the most authentic police procedural in India, focusing on the relentless work of the Delhi Police.

2. Scam 1992 & Scam 2003 (SonyLIV)

Based on: Harshad Mehta and Abdul Karim Telgi

• Key Keywords: Scam 1992 Harshad Mehta, financial crime series, SonyLIV true story

• The Plot: These series redefine "white-collar crime." From the 1992 stock market crash to the massive stamp paper scam, the Scam franchise captures the ambition and greed of India's most notorious fraudsters.

3. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter (Netflix)

Based on: Real-life IPS officer memoirs

• Key Keywords: Khakee Season 2, Neeraj Pandey, Bihar Chapter, Bengal crime series

• The Plot: Following the massive success of the Bihar Chapter, the 2025-2026 release of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter explores the nexus of politics and crime in Eastern India.

4. Indian Predator (Netflix Documentary Series)

Based on: Notorious Indian Serial Killers

• Key Keywords: Indian Predator Butcher of Delhi, Beast of Bangalore, true crime documentaries India

• The Plot: This docu-series provides a chilling look at real-life monsters like Chandrakant Jha and Umesh Reddy. It’s a must-watch for those who prefer true crime documentaries over dramatized versions.

Comparison: Top True Crime Series by Platform (2026)

Trending Now: Upcoming Indian True Crime Series in 2026

Stay ahead of the curve with these highly anticipated releases:

• Black Warrant: Based on the memoirs of a Tihar Jailer, offering a raw look at death row.

• The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination: A detailed 90-day countdown of the investigation.

• Honeymoon Se Hatya: A new documentary-style thriller on ZEE5 focusing on mysterious travel crimes.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of Indian crime web series based on true stories is expanding faster than ever. These shows don't just entertain; they serve as a mirror to society’s darkest corners and the heroes who fight to bring justice.

What is your favorite true crime series? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best Indian crime web series based on a true story?

While "best" is subjective, Delhi Crime (Netflix) is widely considered the top choice due to its International Emmy win and realistic portrayal of the 2012 Nirbhaya investigation. For financial crimes, Scam 1992 on SonyLIV remains the highest-rated.2

2. Is Delhi Crime Season 3 based on a true story?

Yes, Delhi Crime Season 3 (released in early 2026) follows the pattern of previous seasons by drawing inspiration from real-life case files. This season specifically explores the complexities of international human trafficking rings and the police's efforts to dismantle them.

3. Which Indian web series is based on Harshad Mehta?

The critically acclaimed series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story on SonyLIV tells the true story of the 1992 Indian stock market scam. It stars Pratik Gandhi as the infamous "Big Bull."

4. Are there any Indian true crime series about serial killers?

Yes, there are several. Dahaad (Prime Video) is inspired by the "Cyanide Mohan" case, while Netflix's Indian Predator documentary series covers real-life killers like the "Butcher of Delhi" and the "Beast of Bangalore."

5. Is the web series 'Jamtara' based on real events?

Yes, Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega is based on the actual phishing operations that originated in the Jamtara district of Jharkhand, which became the cybercrime hub of India.

6. What is the latest Indian true crime web series in 2026?

The most trending releases of 2026 include Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web (Netflix), which focuses on airport customs investigations, and Thadayam (ZEE5), based on brutal crimes along the Tamil Nadu-Andhra border.

7. Is 'Khakee: The Bihar Chapter' a true story?

Yes, it is based on the book Bihar Diaries written by IPS officer Amit Lodha. It chronicles his real-life pursuit of a dreaded gang lord in Bihar.

8. Which platform has the best Indian true crime documentaries?

Netflix India currently leads in true crime documentaries with titles like House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth, and the Indian Predator series.

9. Is 'Kohrra' based on a true story?

While Kohrra is a work of fiction, its creators have stated that the atmosphere and specific elements of the investigation are inspired by real-life social dynamics and criminal cases they encountered while researching in Punjab.

10. Where can I watch Indian crime series for free?

Platforms like MX Player and JioCinema offer several crime dramas (like Dharavi Bank or Amar Vishwas) for free with ads. However, premium true crime hits like Delhi Crime and Scam 1992 require a subscription to Netflix or SonyLIV.