Crime Stories: India Detectives explores Indian police work

Police struggle against crime during the pandemic

A young woman is found dead in a suburb, plunging an entire city into a cloud of fear and uncertainty. The Bangalore police find themselves in an exhausting race against time to catch the murderer, just as the coronavirus pandemic begins to shut down society. The 2021 documentary series Crime Stories: India Detectives, available exclusively on Netflix, opens up the normally inaccessible world of the police, where sensitive and complex investigations unfold. Created by N Amit and Jack Rampling and produced by Claire Cahill from Minnow Films, the series shines a stark light on both murders and abductions in four gripping episodes that blend real-life elements with deep insights into the Indian justice system.

Technological and ethical dilemmas of Bangalore police

The series's greatest strength lies in its honest portrayal of the Bangalore police's work under constant pressure. The use of technology, such as surveillance cameras and mobile data, plays a central role in solving the cases, bringing the viewer closer to the actual police work. Although the series is praised for this approach, there has been criticism about its lack of focus on the ethnic and social inequalities that can affect prosecution in India. Despite accusations of exaggerating the drama, especially in a kidnapping case, the producers have assured that the events are based on factual police reports. The series prompts important debates about police methods and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the fight against crime.

The human face of Indian police investigations

By following real detectives and officers like Deputy Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar and Sub Inspector Roopa K.S., Crime Stories: India Detectives manages to humanize the day-to-day work of fighting crime. This is particularly important in a culture where trust in authorities is often fragile. The series stands out in the true crime genre by highlighting the human costs and moral challenges faced in the pursuit of justice. With its wide availability on a platform like Netflix, the series highlights a frequently overlooked perspective from India, and its impact is already being felt in academic discussions on crime and justice policy in the 21st century.

Watch the series on Netflix netflix.com and discover the complexities of Indian police work. Subscribe to our magazine for more revealing true-crime analyses.