How to File FIR Police Complaint?

Filing an FIR (First Information Report) is the first legal step to report a crime in India. Whether you are a victim or a witness, knowing how to file an FIR can protect your rights and help ensure justice. This blog will provide you with complete information on how to file FIR police complaint at a police station or online.

What is an FIR?

An FIR, or First Information Report, is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offence, a serious crime like theft, assault, or murder. It is the first step in starting a legal investigation. Anyone like a victim, witness, or someone who knows about the crime can file an FIR. Once the FIR is filed, the police begin their inquiry based on the details in the report.

Who Can File an FIR?

Anyone who has knowledge about a crime can file an FIR, and not just the victim. This includes a witness, a friend, a relative, or even a passerby who saw or heard about the incident. You don’t need to have proof to file an FIR; the police will investigate and collect the evidence. According to Indian law, Section 154 of the CrPC states that if the crime is a cognizable offence like murder, robbery, rape, or kidnapping, the police are legally bound to register the FIR. Even children or elderly people can file an FIR, and if someone is unable to go to the police station due to injury or disability, a written complaint or call can also be used to request police assistance. Filing an FIR is a citizen’s right and the first step to seeking justice.

Types of FIR in India

There are different types of FIRs in India, which depends on the nature of the crime or complaint. Understanding these types can help you file the right kind of report and ensure timely legal action.

• Cognizable FIR

This is the most common type of FIR. A cognizable offence means a serious crime where the police can take immediate action, like arresting the accused or starting an investigation without needing permission from a magistrate. Examples include murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping. Anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of such a crime can file this FIR.

• Non-Cognizable FIR

A non-cognizable offence is a less serious crime where the police cannot arrest or start an investigation without prior approval from a magistrate. These include offences like cheating, defamation, public nuisance, or causing minor harm. When such a complaint is made, the police will record it in the Daily Diary (or station diary) and then seek permission from a magistrate to investigate.

• Zero FIR

A Zero FIR is a special type of FIR that can be registered at any police station, regardless of where the crime happened. It is most useful in cases like accidents, rape, or crimes where delay in reporting can affect justice. The FIR is registered with serial number “0” and is later transferred to the relevant jurisdictional police station for further action. This ensures that there is no delay in reporting a serious crime. For example, if you witness a road accident in Delhi but are in Mumbai, you can file a Zero FIR in Mumbai, and it will be forwarded to the Delhi Police.

• Cross FIR

When two or more parties involved in the same incident file complaints against each other, it leads to a Cross FIR. These are often seen in cases of group fights or family disputes, where both sides accuse each other of wrongdoing. Each FIR is treated separately, and the police investigate both versions before taking further legal steps.

• Counter FIR

A Counter FIR is similar to a Cross FIR but is filed after the original FIR is registered. It allows the second party to tell their side of the story in response to the first FIR. This is helpful in cases where the first FIR may be false, biased, or one-sided.

How to File FIR police complaints Offline?

If you have witnessed or experienced a crime and need to file a complaint in person. The following details include a step-by-step process on how to file an FIR offline at a police station in India:

1. Go to the Nearest Police Station: Visit the police station nearest to the place where the incident occurred. It is always better to go to the jurisdictional police station for quicker action, but any police station can file a Zero FIR.
2. Meet the Duty Officer: Once you are at the station, inform the officer-in-charge or the duty constable that you want to file an FIR. You will be directed to the Station House Officer (SHO) or an investigating officer.
3. Narrate the Incident Clearly: Explain the incident in detail, what happened, when it happened, where, and who was involved. Be honest and try to include all important facts. You can share any evidence, like photos, videos, or documents, if available.
4. FIR Writing: The officer will write down the details of your complaint in the FIR register. You can request the officer to write it in your own words or review what is written. Make sure everything is accurate.
5. Read and Verify: Before signing, read the entire FIR carefully. Ask for corrections if needed. Never sign a blank or incomplete FIR. You have the right to get the report written in a language you understand.
6. Sign the FIR: After verifying the details, you will be asked to sign the FIR. Your signature confirms that the information given is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
7. Ask for a Free Copy: Under Section 154 of the CrPC, the complainant is entitled to receive a free copy of the FIR. Keep it safe, as it can help you track your case and follow up later.

How to File a Police Complaint Online?

Here is how you can file a police complaint online:

1. Visit the State Police Website

Each Indian state and union territory has its official police website. These websites provide online complaint services under sections like “Citizen Services” or “Online Complaint.” Use the correct website of your state police to file a complaint. For example, if you live in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, or West Bengal, visit the respective state police portal and look for the complaint section.

2. Go to the Online Complaint Section

On the homepage, search for tabs such as:

• “Report Crime”
• “File Online Complaint”
• “Lodge Grievance”
• “Lost Report”

Click on the appropriate option to begin your complaint submission.

3. Fill out the Online Form

Provide the following basic details:

• Your full name
• Contact number and email address
• Your home or present address
• Date, time, and place of the incident
• A clear and honest description of the complaint

Make sure you enter all details truthfully. Submitting a false complaint is a punishable offense under Indian law.

4. Submit and Save Acknowledgement

Once you submit the form, the system will give you a complaint ID or reference number. Note it down or take a screenshot. This ID helps you track your complaint or follow up later.

In case of serious or emergency situations like physical assault, accidents, or threats to life, you must call 100 or go to the nearest police station immediately.

Types of Complaints You Can File Online

Here are some types of complaints you can file online:

• Cybercrime (like online fraud or hacking)
• Lost or stolen items (like mobile phones, documents, or wallets)
• Harassment or blackmail (online or offline)
• Domestic abuse or threats
• Missing persons
• Online abuse or impersonation
• Complaint against cyberbullying or social media threats

What Happens After Filing a Police Complaint in India?

The details below include what happens after filing a police complaint in India:

Step 1: Complaint Review by the Police

Once you submit your complaint either online or at the police station, the officer-in-charge (usually the Station House Officer or SHO) reviews the information. They check whether it involves a cognizable offence (serious crime like theft, assault, etc.) or a non-cognizable offence (less serious matters like verbal abuse or public nuisance).

• For cognizable offences, the police can take action immediately.
• For non-cognizable offences, police need permission from the Magistrate before starting an investigation.

Step 2: FIR Registration (if applicable)

If your complaint qualifies as a cognizable offence, the police will register a First Information Report (FIR). You will receive a copy of the FIR free of cost. This is a crucial document, as it formally begins the legal process.

If the police refuse to register an FIR, you can write to the Superintendent of Police under Section 154(3) of the CrPC. If needed, you may also approach the Magistrate.

Step 3: Investigation Begins

After registering the FIR, the police start investigating the case. This involves:

• Visiting the crime scene
• Collecting evidence
• Recording witness statements
• Examining CCTV or digital data
• Arresting suspects (if needed)

They follow the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) during the investigation.

Step 4: Status Updates and Follow-up

You can track your complaint status using the complaint or FIR number. Many state police websites allow tracking online. The investigating officer may also contact you for more information.

Step 5: Filing a Final Report

Once the investigation is complete, the police submit a final report to the Magistrate. It could be:

• A charge sheet if evidence is found and legal action is needed
• A closure report if no evidence is found

You have the right to challenge the closure report if you disagree with it.

Tips for Writing a Strong Police Complaint Letter

The following details include some tips for writing a strong police complaint letter:

Use a Clear and Formal Format

Begin the letter in a polite and formal tone. Use simple language that can be easily understood by police officers.

Basic Format:

• Date
• To: The Station House Officer (SHO)
• Name of Police Station
• Address
• Subject line (mention the nature of your complaint)
• Salutation: Respected Sir/Madam
• Body of the letter (details of your complaint)
• Your name and contact information
• Signature

Write a Specific and Clear Subject Line

Example: Subject: Complaint about Mobile Phone Theft near XYZ Area on 2nd June 2025

A specific subject helps the officer quickly understand the issue before reading the full letter.

Mention the Date, Time, and Location Clearly

These details are important for the police to verify and investigate your complaint. Always mention:

• Date of the incident
• Time (approximate if exact is not known)
• Location or area where the incident occurred

Example: “The incident took place on 2nd June 2025 at around 5:30 PM near XYZ Bus Stand, Kolkata.”

Describe the Incident Honestly and Briefly

Don’t exaggerate or hide facts. Clearly explain:

• What happened
• Who was involved (if known)
• What you lost or suffered
• If there were any witnesses

Keep your explanation to the point and free from emotional language.

Attach Supporting Documents (If Any)

If you have proof like:

• Photocopy of a stolen item’s bill
• Screenshots (for cybercrime)
• Photos or videos
• Identification documents

Attach them to the letter and mention them in the complaint.

Request for Action

Politely ask the police to investigate the matter and take action as per law. Avoid giving legal advice or threats.

Example: “I request you to kindly register my complaint and take necessary action at the earliest.”

Provide Your Contact Details

Include your details, which are mentioned in the following:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email (if available)

This helps the police reach out to you easily for follow-up.

Legal Rights You Should Know in India

The following details include the legal rights you should know in India:

• Right to Equality (Articles 14-18 of the Constitution): Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. Everyone deserves equal treatment, no one should face discrimination because of their religion, caste, gender, race, or where they're born. This ensures fairness in government jobs, education, and public services.
• Right to File an FIR (CrPC Section 154): You have the right to file an FIR at any police station if a cognizable offence (like theft, assault, or harassment) occurs. If the police refuse to file it, you can report this to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or submit a written complaint.
• Right to Free Legal Aid (Article 39A & Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987): If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can get free legal help from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). This is especially meant for women, children, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, and financially weak individuals. Visit nalsa.gov.in for support.
• Right to Be Heard in Private (for Women): In sensitive cases like sexual assault or domestic violence, a woman has the right to give her statement in a private setting. Be heard by a female police officer, as per Section 160 CrPC and Supreme Court guidelines.
• Right to Know the Reason for Arrest (CrPC Section 50): If you are being arrested, the police must tell you why you're being arrested. They should let you inform a family member or lawyer and produce you in front of a Magistrate within 24 hours.
• Right to Report Cyber Crimes: Cybercrimes like online harassment, fraud, or identity theft can be reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. You can file complaints anonymously if needed.

Filing an FIR is not just a legal step, it is your right and the first move toward justice. Whether you are doing it offline or online, knowing the process and your rights empowers you to act without fear. So stay informed, be honest, and never hesitate to speak up. Your voice matters, and the law is here to support and protect you. In this article, you have learned how to file FIR police complaints at a police station as well as online.

Online dispute resolution (ODR) is a digital way to settle legal issues like consumer complaints, property disputes and even matters related to FIR police complaints, such as false FIRs, delayed filing, or police inaction. It uses tools like e-mediation and e-arbitration. Contact Online Legal India to help you draft complaints, send legal notices, and take legal action smoothly.