Since its debut in 2019, Delhi Crime has become one of Netflix India’s flagship crime dramas, consistently garnering critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of some of the darkest societal issues. The series not only captivated Indian audiences but also earned global recognition, with its first season winning the prestigious International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020. Following the success of its second season, which was also met with praise and an Emmy nomination for Shefali Shah’s performance, fans eagerly await the third season of this hard-hitting crime thriller.
Set in the bustling streets of Delhi, Delhi Crime follows the investigations led by the tireless Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vartika Chaturvedi, played by Shefali Shah. Each season has covered a different case, inspired by real-life events that shook India. While season one drew attention to the brutal 2012 gang rape case, season two tackled the rise of the Chaddi Baniyan gang, which terrorized Delhi with a series of robberies. Now, as we approach the highly anticipated third season, the show takes on one of the most disturbing crimes of all: human trafficking.
Overview of ‘Delhi Crime’ Season 3
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Delhi Crime Season 3 |
| Release Date | November 2025 |
| Number of Episodes | 6 |
| Genre | Crime Drama |
| Language Options | Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, with subtitles in multiple languages (Arabic, French, etc.) |
| Cast | Shefali Shah, Huma Qureshi, Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Jaya Bhattacharya, Anuraag Arora |
| Director | Tanuj Chopra |
| Inspired By | The Baby Falak Case (2012), a real-life human trafficking and child abuse case |
| Rating | TV-MA (U.S.) |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Theme | Human trafficking, child abuse, and police investigations |
What is the Plot of ‘Delhi Crime’ Season 3?
Inspiration: Season 3 of Delhi Crime is inspired by the tragic Baby Falak case from 2012, one of the most heartbreaking stories of child abuse and trafficking in India. The season explores the gruesome realities of human trafficking, child exploitation, and abuse through the eyes of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi and her team as they uncover a sinister web of criminal activity.
The season kicks off with the discovery of an abandoned baby, which quickly becomes a national sensation. This innocent child’s abandonment sets off a chain of events that leads Vartika and her team into a complex human trafficking ring operating well beyond the borders of Delhi. As the investigation deepens, Vartika and her colleagues are forced to confront not only the criminal masterminds behind the operation but also the deep-seated societal issues that allow such horrors to thrive in plain sight.
Themes: The show explores themes of corruption, inequality, and the emotional toll of working in law enforcement. As the season progresses, the tension between the police officers’ sense of justice and the disturbing truths they uncover only intensifies. This season aims to shine a light on the exploitation of vulnerable women and children, raising uncomfortable questions about society’s role in perpetuating these crimes.
DCP Vartika Chaturvedi’s personal struggles also play a significant role in this season, as she grapples with the emotional weight of uncovering such horrific crimes. As always, the series doesn’t shy away from showing the human side of law enforcement, focusing on the emotional toll that investigating such cases can have on the officers involved.
Tanuj Chopra, the director of season 3, shared his vision for the series, saying:
“When I came on board for Delhi Crime, my dream was always to bring the raw intensity of Heat—the dynamic of cop versus criminal—into a narrative that felt personal, especially from the perspective of our lead character, Vartika Chaturvedi. Season 3 dives into something deeply unsettling: human trafficking. It’s crucial for us to portray these crimes with the honesty and gravity they deserve, without sensationalizing or exploiting the trauma of those involved.”
Who is in the Cast of ‘Delhi Crime’ Season 3?
One of the key reasons for Delhi Crime’s success has been its stellar ensemble cast, led by the immensely talented Shefali Shah. For season 3, she reprises her role as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, and her performance promises to be as captivating as ever. Joining her is Huma Qureshi, who plays the role of Meena, the head of a human trafficking gang. Huma’s portrayal of the antagonist promises to be both chilling and compelling as she brings a new level of intensity to the series.
Main Cast:
- Shefali Shah as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi: The seasoned and empathetic police officer, dedicated to bringing justice to the victims of the crimes she investigates.
- Huma Qureshi as Meena (aka “Badi Didi”): A formidable figure at the helm of a human trafficking operation, she becomes the central antagonist of the season. Huma describes her role as “challenging,” stating that she wanted to be part of the series because of its raw honesty and the portrayal of uncomfortable truths.
- Rasika Dugal as Neeti Singh: Vartika’s trusted colleague and an integral part of the team, Neeti’s character is set to evolve further as she plays a crucial role in the investigation.
- Rajesh Tailang as Inspector Bhupendra Singh: A key member of the team, Bhupendra provides crucial support during the investigation into the trafficking ring.
- Jaya Bhattacharya as Vimla Baradwaj: A returning character, Vimla’s role expands in the third season as she continues to assist the police in their efforts to track down the criminals.
- Anuraag Arora as Jairaj Singh: Another returning character, Jairaj continues to serve as a vital part of Vartika’s team.
Crew:
- Tanuj Chopra serves as the director for season 3, taking over from Richie Mehta, who was the creator of the series. Chopra is known for his thoughtful approach to character-driven storytelling. He has openly expressed his admiration for Michael Mann’s iconic crime film Heat, stating that his inspiration for the cop vs. criminal dynamic in this season came from Mann’s work.
- Mayank Tiwari, Anu Singh Choudhary, Shubhra Swarup, Apoorva Bakshi, and Michael Hogan have co-written the season, contributing to the multi-layered narrative and complex character arcs that fans have come to expect from Delhi Crime.
When and Where to Watch ‘Delhi Crime’ Season 3?
The third season of Delhi Crime is available to stream on Netflix starting from November 2025. Fans worldwide can access the show in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Telugu, and Tamil, with subtitles available in Arabic, French, Polish, and more.
The series has received a TV-MA rating in the United States due to its mature content, which includes graphic depictions of violence and sensitive themes such as child abuse and human trafficking. With six episodes slated for this season, each episode is expected to delve deeper into the investigation, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Impact of the ‘Delhi Crime’ Series on Global Audiences
Since its inception, Delhi Crime has been praised not only for its compelling storytelling but also for its nuanced depiction of the complexities surrounding crime and law enforcement in India. The series has consistently pushed boundaries by exploring real-life incidents that shock and challenge audiences. Season 3 is no exception, as it brings attention to one of the most disturbing issues facing modern society—human trafficking.
The decision to base season 3 on the Baby Falak case is significant because it highlights a critical issue that is often swept under the rug. The case itself garnered national attention, but its broader implications regarding the exploitation of vulnerable children remain under-explored in mainstream media. Delhi Crime’s ability to shed light on such uncomfortable truths, without sensationalizing or exploiting them, is what sets it apart as a piece of impactful storytelling.
For viewers outside of India, Delhi Crime also serves as a window into the country’s socio-political landscape, revealing the inner workings of law enforcement and the justice system. It underscores how these issues transcend borders, resonating with a global audience who can recognize the universal themes of exploitation and justice.
Shefali Shah, who plays the relentless DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, shared her thoughts on the new season:
“This season of Delhi Crime explores the very depths of human cruelty and trafficking, topics that are difficult to confront but need to be addressed. Vartika’s journey in season 3 is emotional and intense—uncovering such dark truths challenges her belief system. It’s a privilege to be part of a series that forces the audience to face the uncomfortable realities we often ignore in our society.”
Conclusion
With its rich character development, sharp storytelling, and commitment to portraying difficult realities, Delhi Crime season 3 promises to be a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. As DCP Vartika Chaturvedi and her team face one of the most complex investigations of their careers, viewers can expect a thrilling, emotionally charged narrative that dives deep into the world of human trafficking and exploitation.
The addition of Huma Qureshi’s character will undoubtedly add a new layer of intrigue, and with Tanuj Chopra at the helm, the season’s exploration of the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the police and criminals will be as engaging as ever.
As Delhi Crime continues to challenge its audience with difficult questions, its return for season 3 marks a powerful step in the evolution of Indian crime dramas on the global stage.
FAQ
The Baby Falak case refers to a 2012 incident in which a baby girl was found abandoned in a deplorable condition. It led to the uncovering of a human trafficking network involved in child abuse and exploitation.
Season 3 consists of six episodes.
Yes, Delhi Crime Season 3 is available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English, with subtitles in various languages.
No, it has a TV-MA rating due to mature themes, violence, and graphic content.
Delhi Crime Season 3 was released on Netflix in November 2025.
