Victims need not visit police station to file complaints, register FIRs: Telangana police new system

Hyderabad: The Crime Investigating Bureau, Telangana, is introducing a citizen-centric system where the victim or informant will not be required to visit the police station for recording the initial statement or for the registration of FIR.

The statement can be recorded at the residence or place of choice of the complainant.

The new system for registration of crimes in specified categories of offences prioritises the vulnerable condition of victims and adopts a humane approach, the police said in a statement.

Rising offences against women is reason behind new approach

There has been a surge in cases related to violence against women and children. Many times, they may not be in a position to file a complaint.

Recognising this, the Telangana Police is moving from a station-centric to a citizen-centric model of FIR registration in such cases, by taking the investigative machinery to the victim instead of insisting that the victim come to the police.

These offences can be listed as involving:

- Offences against women and children

- Offences affecting the human body

- Offences against property

- Offences under the POCSO Act

- Offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

- Offences under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act,

- Offences under the Telangana Prohibition of Ragging Act, victims and informants are often in a vulnerable, delicate or traumatic condition. They may not be physically or mentally prepared to go to a police station to complain, even though prompt registration of an FIR is crucial for their safety, dignity and access to justice.

Existing practice vs new procedure

Earlier practice: In all cases, FIRs were registered only when victims visited the police station and submitted a written complaint to the duty officer.

New citizen-centric procedure: Upon receiving telephonic or oral information about the commission of a cognisable offence in the specified categories, the jurisdictional police (or any police officer in case of Zero FIR) will:

- Immediately proceed to the residence of the victim, place of offence, hospital or any other place of the victim’s choice.

- Receive the complaint/report from the victim or any other person knowing about the incident.

- The complaint so received will be sent to the concerned police station with the endorsement of the receiving officer for registration of FIR.

- A copy of the FIR will be provided to the victim or informant at their residence/place of choice, rather than requiring them to visit the police station.

- Where necessary, the police will also record statements under Sections 180 and 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at the same location.

- Simultaneously, the police will take steps to secure and protect the crime scene and physical evidence and proceed further with the investigation in accordance with the law.

Categories of cases covered

The police will adopt this victim-centric, residence-based FIR registration in the following categories of offences:

Offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):

- Offences against women and children

- Offences affecting the human body

- Offences against property

- Offences under Special Acts

- Offences under the POCSO Act

- Offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

- Offences under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act

- Offences under the Telangana Prohibition of Ragging Act,

In all such cases, any police officer, including for Zero FIR, on receiving information through any mode, will promptly reach the victim and initiate the process of FIR registration on-site.

Citizen-centric commitment

This initiative of on-site FIR registration marks a significant step in making policing in Telangana more accessible, compassionate and citizen-centric by:

- Reducing the trauma and inconvenience to victims

- Ensuring timely registration of FIRs in sensitive and serious offences

- Reinforcing public trust in the criminal justice system

SOPs have been made and provided to all unit officers to be shared and implemented by all SHOs across the state.

The Telangana Police remains committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of victims and to providing prompt, sensitive, and professional response in all such cases.