File a police complaint, FIR or e-FIR

Police services are run by state governments. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, information about a cognisable offence can be given at any police station (Zero FIR) and also electronically (e-FIR), which must be signed within three days. Most state police websites offer online complaints, e-FIR for specified offences (such as vehicle or mobile theft) and lost-article reports.

This service is run by state governments, so the portal and process depend on where you live. Find your state or ask below with your state name.

Steps

1
In an emergency, call 112
2
Go to the nearest police station to lodge an FIR; it can be registered as a Zero FIR and transferred if the crime happened elsewhere; get a free copy of the FIR
3
Or use your state police's citizen portal/app to file an e-FIR or online complaint, then sign it at the police station within three days as required
4
For lost documents or phones, use the state portal's lost-article report
5
If police refuse to register an FIR for a cognisable offence, you can approach the Superintendent of Police or the Magistrate

Documents

Written complaint with details of the incident
Any evidence
ID proof

Official links

Digital Police Portal (MHA) ↗digitalpolice.gov.in
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ↗cybercrime.gov.in

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