Delhi Crime is a seven-episode drama series based on the notorious 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case that shocked India and the world. The story unfolds over five days, following the intense police investigation led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi. The series begins with the discovery of the severely injured young woman and her male friend, who were assaulted on a moving bus.
The narrative focuses on the relentless pressure faced by the Delhi Police to quickly apprehend the perpetrators. Vartika Chaturvedi assembles a dedicated team, including inspectors Neeti and Sudhir, and places them under immense stress. They work against a ticking clock as public outrage grows, media scrutiny intensifies, and political leaders demand swift justice.
The investigation is a meticulous procedural, tracing the bus through the city’s labyrinthine streets using CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The series portrays the emotional toll on the officers, particularly Vartika, who balances a demanding career with her family life while grappling with the horrific nature of the crime. It also shows the societal context, including the complicity of some officials and the deep-seated misogyny the team encounters.
As the net closes, the team identifies and locates the six suspects across Delhi and neighboring states. The series depicts the challenging raids to capture them, culminating in their arrests. It ends with a subdued acknowledgment of the victim’s death, which sparked nationwide protests and legal reforms.
While honoring the victim’s struggle, the series maintains a respectful distance, never depicting the assault itself. Instead, it provides a sobering look at the complex machinery of a high-stakes investigation and the individuals within the system striving for justice amidst overwhelming adversity.