How to File an FIR Online in India: Complete Guide with State-Wise Process

Filing an FIR (First Information Report) is the first step in reporting a crime. Now you can do it online from home in many states. Here's your complete guide.

What is an FIR?

An FIR is a written document prepared by police when they receive information about a cognizable offense (serious crimes where police can arrest without warrant). It's the foundation of criminal investigation.

When Should You File an FIR?

You must file an FIR for:

• Theft or robbery

• Assault or physical violence

• Murder or attempt to murder

• Rape or sexual assault

• Kidnapping or abduction

• Cheating and fraud

• Dowry harassment

• Cybercrime

• Road accidents with injuries

• Any cognizable offense under IPC

Cognizable vs Non-Cognizable Offences:

Cognizable (FIR required):

• Police can arrest without warrant

• Serious crimes

• Investigation starts immediately

• Examples: Murder, theft, rape, kidnapping

Non-Cognizable (Complaint/NCR filed):

• Police cannot arrest without warrant

• Less serious offences

• Magistrate's permission needed for investigation

• Examples: Simple assault, defamation, public nuisance

Can You File FIR Online?

Yes! Many states now allow online FIR registration for certain types of crimes. However, serious crimes like murder, rape, and kidnapping still require physical presence at police station.

Crimes You Can Report Online:

• Lost/stolen documents (passport, driving license)

• Lost/stolen mobile phones

• Minor thefts

• Vehicle theft

• Cybercrime

• Minor accidents

• Lost property

• Some fraud cases

State-Wise Online FIR Portals:

Delhi:

• Portal: www.ejalshakti.delhi.gov.in

• App: Himmat App (for women's safety)

• Services: Lost articles, vehicle theft, online fraud

Maharashtra:

• Portal: citizen.mahapolice.gov.in

• App: Cyber Crime Portal

• Services: Lost documents, cybercrime, theft

Uttar Pradesh:

• Portal: uppolice.gov.in

• App: UP Police Citizen Services

• Services: General complaints, lost property

Karnataka:

• Portal: www.ksp.gov.in

• Services: Cybercrime, lost property, complaints

Tamil Nadu:

• Portal: eservices.tnpolice.gov.in

• App: Kavalan SOS

• Services: Complaints, missing persons, online fraud

Gujarat:

• Portal: www.gujaratpolice.gov.in

• Services: Cybercrime, lost documents

West Bengal:

• Portal: www.wbpolice.gov.in

• Services: Online complaints, cybercrime

Telangana:

• Portal: tscop.gov.in

• App: Hawk Eye

• Services: Various complaints, e-FIR

How to File FIR Online: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit Your State Police Website Go to your state's police portal or download the official app.

Step 2: Register/Login

• Create account with mobile number

• Verify OTP

• Complete profile with basic details

Step 3: Select Complaint Type Choose the category:

• Lost property

• Theft

• Cybercrime

• Fraud

• Others

Step 4: Fill Complaint Details

Provide accurate information:

• Date, time, and place of incident

• Detailed description of what happened

• Suspect details (if known)

• Witnesses (if any)

• Items stolen/lost (with descriptions and serial numbers)

Step 5: Upload Documents

Attach supporting documents:

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License)

• Address proof

• Photos of incident/stolen items

• Bills/receipts (for stolen items)

• Any other relevant evidence

Step 6: Submit Application

• Review all information carefully

• Submit the complaint

• Note down acknowledgment number

Step 7: Track Your Complaint

• Use acknowledgment number to track status

• Police will investigate

• You may be called to police station for further details

What If Online FIR is Not Available?

Visit the nearest police station and file FIR physically.

How to File FIR at Police Station:

Step 1: Visit Nearest Police Station You can file FIR at ANY police station, not just the one in whose jurisdiction the crime occurred.

Step 2: Provide Information Orally Tell the duty officer about the crime. They will write it down.

Step 3: Details to Provide:

• Your name, address, contact number

• Date, time, and location of incident

• What exactly happened (chronological order)

• Description of accused (if known)

• Names of witnesses

• Injuries sustained (if any)

• Property stolen/damaged

Step 4: FIR is Prepared

• Officer writes FIR in prescribed format

• FIR is read out to you

• Check for accuracy

Step 5: Sign the FIR

• Sign after verifying details

• Get free copy of FIR

• Note down FIR number and police station details

Important Points About FIR:

Your Rights:

• Police CANNOT refuse to file FIR for cognizable offences

• FIR copy must be given FREE

• You can file FIR at any police station (Zero FIR)

• FIR can be filed by anyone (victim, witness, or person with knowledge)

• Woman can file FIR at her residence (police must come)

Zero FIR: If you're away from the place where crime occurred, file "Zero FIR" at nearest police station. It will be transferred to the concerned station.

FIR Through Email: Some states accept FIR via email to police commissioner/SP office, especially for cybercrime.

What Happens After FIR?

Step 1: FIR is Registered You get FIR number and copy.

Step 2: Investigation Begins

• Police investigates the case

• Collects evidence

• Questions suspects and witnesses

• May visit crime scene

Step 3: Case Diary Maintained Police maintains daily record of investigation.

Step 4: Arrest (if required) Police may arrest accused if evidence found.

Step 5: Charge Sheet Filed If evidence is sufficient, police files charge sheet in court within 60-90 days.

Step 6: Trial Case proceeds in court for trial.

What If Police Refuse to File FIR?

Police officers sometimes illegally refuse to register FIR. Here's what you can do:

Option 1: Send Written Complaint

• Write complaint on plain paper

• Send by registered post to Station House Officer

• Keep acknowledgment

Option 2: Approach Senior Officers

• Complaint to Superintendent of Police (SP)

• Or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)

• Or Police Commissioner

Option 3: File Complaint with Magistrate

• Under Section 156(3) of CrPC

• Magistrate can direct police to register FIR

• This is your legal right

Option 4: File Private Complaint

• Directly file complaint in court under Section 200 CrPC

• Court will examine you

• May summon accused

Option 5: File Writ Petition

• In High Court

• For direction to police to register FIR

• Usually faster remedy

Documents Required for FIR:

Essential:

• Your identity proof

• Address proof

Supporting (if applicable):

• Medical certificate (for assault)

• Photos of injuries

• Bills/receipts (for theft)

• IMEI number (for mobile theft)

• Vehicle RC book copy (for vehicle theft)

• Correspondence/messages (for fraud)

• Bank statements (for financial fraud)

Tips for Filing Effective FIR:

DO:

• File FIR immediately after incident

• Provide accurate, detailed information

• Mention all relevant facts

• Get medical examination done (for injuries)

• Collect and preserve evidence

• Take photos/videos if possible

• Note down timings precisely

• Get witness contact details

DON'T:

• Exaggerate or lie

• Hide important information

• Make false accusations

• Delay filing FIR

• Compromise before filing (for serious crimes)

• Sign without reading FIR

• Accept oral assurances from police

Special Cases:

For Women:

• Woman can file FIR from home (police must visit)

• Woman police officer should record statement

• Statement can be recorded at residence

• Special provisions for sexual assault cases

For Cybercrime:

• Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in

• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

• Or state cybercrime cell

• Keep all digital evidence

For Missing Persons:

• File FIR immediately (no 24-hour wait needed)

• Provide recent photo

• Physical description

• Last seen location and time

• Medical conditions (if any)

Can FIR Be Withdrawn?

No, once registered, FIR cannot be withdrawn. However:

• You can give statement that you want to settle

• For compoundable offences, court may allow compromise

• Investigation may be closed if found false

• For non-compoundable offences (serious crimes), case continues

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Waiting too long to file FIR

• Not collecting evidence immediately

• Accepting compromise before filing FIR

• Not getting medical examination done

• Not keeping copy of FIR safe

• Not following up on investigation

• Not noting FIR number

How to Track Your FIR:

Most states provide online FIR tracking:

• Visit state police website

• Enter FIR number

• Check investigation status

• View action taken

You can also:

• Call investigating officer

• Visit police station

• Apply for case diary under RTI

Important Legal Rights:

• Right to file FIR (police cannot refuse)

• Right to free copy of FIR

• Right to fair investigation

• Right to be kept informed

• Right to approach court if police doesn't investigate

• Right to legal aid if poor

Helpline Numbers:

• Police: 100

• Women Helpline: 181

• Child Helpline: 1098

• Senior Citizen Helpline: 1091

• Cybercrime: 1930

Filing an FIR is your fundamental right. Don't let anyone intimidate you or refuse to register it. If you face any difficulty, escalate to senior officers or approach the court. Your voice matters, and the law protects your right to seek justice.