Criminal Justice Season 3 Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer and More

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is an enthralling crime thriller and legal drama web series in the Hindi language, produced for Hotstar Specials. It is based on the critically acclaimed 2008 British television series of the same name. The Indian adaptation of Criminal Justice is written by Shridhar Raghavan and directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Furia. 

The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Vikrant Massey, Jackie Shroff, Anupriya Goenka, and Mita Vashisht, who deliver captivating performances in their lead roles. The storyline revolves around the lives of individuals who find themselves embarking on a gut-wrenching journey through the criminal justice system.

The first season of Criminal Justice premiered on Hotstar on April 5, 2019, and received widespread acclaim from critics. The performances of the principal characters, namely Tripathi, Massey, and Shroff, were particularly praised for their depth and authenticity.

Following the success of the first season, the makers announced a second season titled Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors in February 2020. This highly anticipated season was released on Disney+ Hotstar on December 24, 2020, further captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and intense performances.

Expanding the series even further, the third season, Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach, premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on August 26, 2022. This season delves into a murder case involving a young celebrity, unraveling a complex web of secrets and suspense.

Criminal Justice Season 3 Ending Explained

In the seventh episode of Criminal Justice Season 3, a new suspect named Mahendra Awasthi emerges in the murder investigation of Zara Ahuja. Mahendra is introduced as the owner of the property where Zara was scheduled to shoot at the beginning of the season. The evidence against him is compelling as it is revealed that Zara was killed with Nitric acid, and Mahendra is reported to have a lung infection resulting from acid exposure.

However, despite the mounting evidence, Lekha, the defense lawyer, goes to great lengths to divert Madhav Mishra’s attention and win the case. Madhav calls Mahendra and his wife to the witness stand individually, and in a heated moment, Mahendra confesses to the murder.

The motive behind the crime becomes clear: Mahendra’s daughter took her own life after being cyberbullied by Zara’s fans for impersonating Zara’s television character, Bittu. Adding to the tragedy, Zara publicly mocked and trolled Mahendra’s daughter on social media, leading to her tragic decision.

Driven by a thirst for vengeance, Mahendra planned to murder Zara. When Mukul, Zara’s boyfriend, left her intoxicated on the beach, Mahendra seized the opportunity and attacked her. He then took her to the disputed property near the beach, where she was brutally murdered. Mahendra’s intention was to disfigure Zara’s beautiful face and teach her a lesson.

By the end of Episode 8, Mahendra is formally charged with Zara’s murder, and Mukul is finally proven innocent. Mukul and Avantika, Zara’s sister, later reconcile with Neeraj, Mukul’s brother. Madhav Mishra, the defense lawyer, is handsomely rewarded for his services, and his wife successfully secures a rental space for her parlour.

The revelation of Mahendra as the killer and the subsequent resolution of the case bring closure to the central storyline of Criminal Justice Season 3. The intricate web of deceit, vengeance, and tragic events portrayed throughout the season highlights the dark side of human nature and the consequences of cyberbullying. The gripping narrative and intense performances keep viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the compelling storytelling that Criminal Justice is known for.

Who Was the Killer in Criminal Justice Season 3?

In the storyline of Criminal Justice Season 3, Mahendra Awasthi’s sinister plan to murder Zara Ahuja begins to unfold. The events leading up to the murder involve Zara being left in an intoxicated state on the beach by her boyfriend, Mukul. Unbeknownst to Mukul, it is Mahendra who seizes the opportunity and carries out the brutal attack on Zara.

After Mukul leaves Zara alone on the beach, Mahendra approaches her and takes advantage of her vulnerable state. He becomes the orchestrator of a heinous crime, overpowering Zara and forcefully taking her to a disputed property located near the beach. It is within the confines of this property that the ruthless murder of Zara takes place.

The details of the murder remain undisclosed, but the narrative suggests that Zara faces a horrific fate at the hands of Mahendra. The nature of the crime indicates a level of brutality and violence, as Mahendra’s intention is not only to end Zara’s life but also to cause her extreme physical harm.

Mahendra’s motive for this act of violence becomes apparent as the story unfolds. It is revealed that Mahendra’s daughter had tragically taken her own life due to cyberbullying. Zara’s fans, who were unaware of the real identity of Mahendra’s daughter, targeted her online for impersonating Zara’s television character, Bittu. Fueling the tragedy, Zara herself publicly ridiculed and mocked Mahendra’s daughter on social media, ultimately pushing her to the breaking point.

In his quest for revenge, Mahendra meticulously plans and executes the murder of Zara. His intentions extend beyond simply ending her life; he aims to disfigure her beautiful face and deliver a powerful message. This calculated and brutal act is driven by the pain and anger Mahendra feels over the loss of his daughter and the torment she endured.

The revelation of Mahendra as the perpetrator of this gruesome crime adds a chilling layer to the narrative of Criminal Justice Season 3. The show explores the depths of human darkness and the tragic consequences that can arise from a cycle of hatred and revenge. The detailed depiction of Mahendra’s actions underscores the impact of cyberbullying and the devastating toll it can take on individuals and their loved ones.

Criminal Justice Season 3 Cast 

Criminal Justice Season 3 Plot

Criminal Justice is a gripping thriller series that showcases an ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Vikrant Massey, Jackie Shroff, Anupriya Goenka, Mita Vashisht, Rucha Inamdar, Jagat Rawath, Rithuraj Singh, and Tuhina Vora. The show revolves around the life-altering events faced by Aditya Sharma (played by Vikrant Massey) when he is falsely accused of the murder of Sanaya Rath (portrayed by Madhurima Roy). The series consists of 10 episodes, each delving deeper into the complexities of Aditya’s situation.

At the start of the series, Aditya Sharma is introduced as a hardworking cab driver from a middle-class family. His plans for a night out with friends take an unexpected turn when a volatile and foul-mouthed woman, later revealed as Sanaya Rath, enters his cab. Aditya realizes that they are both alumni of the same college, but also notices Sanaya’s erratic behavior and drug addiction.

Aditya’s life takes a drastic turn when he becomes a suspect in the murder case. He is apprehended at the police station, where a neighbor falsely identifies him as the murderer. The astute advocate Madhav Mishra (played by Pankaj Tripathi) mistakenly takes on Aditya’s case, believing it to be a drunk driving incident. However, he soon discovers the gravity of the situation and becomes Aditya’s defense lawyer.

Aditya’s parents are informed about the charges against their son, revealing that he is accused of murdering and raping Sanaya Rath. Aditya pleads not guilty but is denied bail and placed in police custody for 14 days. The case garners public attention, and Aditya and his family face intense scrutiny and societal ridicule.

Madhav Mishra’s wife, Ratna Mishra (Khushboo Atre), suffers from the repercussions of Aditya’s case, with recovery agents harassing their family due to unpaid loans. Aditya’s sister loses her job, further adding to the family’s struggles. Meanwhile, prosecutor Lekha Agastya (played by Shweta Basu Prasad) and Madhav Mishra spar in court, each determined to prove their side of the case.

As the series progresses, new revelations emerge. Supreme Court advocate Mandira Mathur (Mita Vashisht) takes an interest in Aditya’s case and attempts to drop the rape charge, arguing for consensual involvement instead. However, she fails to secure his acquittal. Aditya is presented with a plea bargaining agreement, but he chooses to plead not guilty, supported by his new lawyer, Nikhat (Anupriya Goenka), who encourages him to follow his heart.

The narrative then shifts to Aditya’s life in prison, drawing parallels to the acclaimed film “The Shawshank Redemption.” Aditya adapts to the prison environment, joining forces with Mustafa (Jackie Shroff) and his gang for protection. The prison is divided between Mustafa’s gang and Layak Talukdar’s (Dibyendu Bhattacharya) gang. Aditya faces challenges and even spends a year in solitary confinement, wrongfully accused of drug peddling. Over time, Aditya rebels against Layak and becomes an integral member of Mustafa’s gang.

Simultaneously, Nikhat and Madhav collaborate to investigate the case further. They uncover shocking details about Sanaya’s involvement with a drug rehabilitation center, LDFR, operated by Naresh Lakani and his wife Kanika Lakani. Pallavi, a former employee of LDFR, reveals that Naresh runs a child prostitution racket involving underprivileged children. Sanaya intended to expose this operation, leading to her murder orchestrated by Kanika.

In the climactic moments, Aditya confronts Layak, and before he can take action, Mustafa intervenes, ultimately killing Layak. Finally, Aditya is released from prison, emerging as a transformed and resilient individual.

With an intense storyline and powerful performances, Criminal Justice takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through Aditya’s wrongful accusation, his experiences in prison, and the ultimate fight for justice and redemption.