Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a crime? Used to be that whenever a crime took place at anyplace, complaint should be lodged in a specific police station where the crime takes place which oftentimes leads to chaos.and makes victim to roam around different police stations to identify the specific police station where crime took place. However, as per the New Criminal Law Procedure Code BNSS, (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2024) citizens have a choice of lodging a complaint at any police station which shall be registered as Zero FIR (First Information Report) and later, transferred to the Police Station under which jurisdiction the offence takes place. If the crime is happening and someone’s life is in danger i.e., a bodily crime, or an attempt to outrage modesty is taking place, a citizen can call ‘100’ and Police will reach the location within 10 minutes if it is in Hyderabad city limits. If you are a victim of a cyber crime, call 1930, especially when you lose money as it saves your money. The operator will guide you to follow the procedure to get back your money and get your case registered. There is an I4C website for dealing with cyber crimes across India. The website is very elaborate, explanatory and if you are a victim of cyber fraud, you can go through it for more details.

Who should lodge a complaint? A victim always gives the complaint. However, as per Section 2 (1)(h), of the new BNSS, a Complaint is a report given by a police officer in case of non cognizable offence. VICTIM, U/s. 2(1)(y) of BNSS, is a person who has suffered any loss or injury by reason of the act or omission of the accused person and includes the guardian or legal heir of such victim. Therefore, whenever a citizen suffers loss or injury by an accused, they should lodge a complaint in a Police Station.

What content should be there in your complaint? Wherever the crime takes place, and such complaint shall have the following substance. It shall have 5Ws , 1H and other information. When did the crime take place? (Time, Date, month, and year) Where did it occur? (Name of the place of offence) Who committed the crime? (Names of persons committed crime if known. If the names are unknown, description particulars of the persons who committed the crime) Against whom a crime is committed? (Name and address of the victim/complainant) Why is the crime committed? (Reason/motive behind committing the crime) How is the crime committed (the manner in which the crime is committed) Other Information Besides above information, details of property lost, nature of injuries received, mention details of any evidence like videos, chats, photos, documents, etc., shall be mentioned in your complaint. If you are a victim of white-collar crime, you should have all documentary evidence such as agreements, MOUs, sale deeds, etc and money transaction details such are bank statements, UPI payments, cash receipts etc

Types of Complaints Complaints are of two types: COGNIZABLE and NON-COGNIZABLE. In a Cognizable offence, a police officer may arrest an offender without warrant. In a non-cognizable offence, a police officer has no authority to arrest without warrant. Offence means any act or omission made punishable by any law for the time being in force. Once a citizen has become a victim of a cognizable crime, he can lodge a complaint to the Police.

How to lodge a complaint to police? The law relating to lodging a complaint; Sec 173 of BNSS: Information (Complaint) in cognizable cases: Cognizable case is an offence, in which police officer can arrest an offender without a warrant. Every information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence, irrespective of the area where the offence is committed, may be given orally or by electronic communication to an officer in charge of a police station, and if given; Orally, it shall be reduced to writing by him or under his direction, and be read over to the informant, and every such information, whether given in writing or reduced to writing as aforesaid, shall be signed by the person giving it By electronic communication, it shall be taken on record by him on being signed within three days by the person giving it, and the substance thereof shall be entered in a book be kept by such office in such form as the State Government may by rules prescribe in this behalf. Provided that if the information is given by the woman against whom an offence under sections 64 to 71 of BNS and other sections i.e., rape etc, alleged to have been committed or attempted, then such information shall be recorded by a woman police officer or any woman officer. Provided further that if the offences under aforesaid sections alleged to have committed or attempted against a person who is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, then such information (Complaint) shall be recorded by a police officer, at the residence of the person seeking to report such offence or at a convenient place of such person’s choice, in the presence of an interpreter or a special educator, as the case may be; Such information shall be videographed; 1.The police officer shall get the statement of the person recorded by a Magistrate under clause (a) of subsection (6) of section 183 of BNSS as soon as possible. 2. A copy of the information which is a First Information Report (FIR) as recorded or given by the complainant under subsection (1) shall be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant or the victim. 3. On receipt of information relating to the commission of any cognizable offence, which is made punishable for three years or more but less than seven years, the officer in charge of the police station may with the prior permission from of officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, considering the nature and gravity of the offence,- Proceed to conduct preliminary enquiry to ascertain whether there exists a prima facie case for proceeding in the matter within a period of fourteen days; Proceed with investigation when there exists a prima facie case. Any person aggrieved by a refusal on the part of an officer in charge of a police station to record the information I.e. complaint referred to the above sub-section (1) may send the substance of such information, in writing and by post, to the Superintendent of Police concerned who, if satisfied that such information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence, shall either investigate the case by himself or direct an investigation to be made by any police officer subordinate to him, in the manner provided by BNSS, and such officer shall have all the powers of an officer in charge of the police station in relation to that offence failing which such aggrieved person may make an application to the Magistrate. Though this is the law relating to refusal, the victim actually can meet the superior officers of the SI or CI who are the Station House Officers, who are DSP/ACPs, SPs/Commissioners with their complaints to get their cases registered FIRs. They can even inform their grievance through social media and tag the superior officers. If all these efforts are not worked out, still the victim can approach the local Magistrate through his lawyer and get the case registered and forwarded to the police. - Sec 174 of BNSS: Information (Complaint) in non- cognizable cases: Non cognizable case is an offence, in which police officer cannot arrest an offender without a warrant. When information is given to an officer in charge of a police station of the commission within the limits of such station of a non-cognizable offence, he shall enter or cause to be entered the substance of the information in a book (which is a GENERAL DIARY) to be kept by such officer in such form as the State Government may by rules prescribe in this behalf, and Refer the informant to the magistrate, Forward the daily diary report of all such cases fortnightly to the Magistrate. Any police officer receiving such order may exercise the same powers in respect of the investigation (except the power to arrest without warrant) as an officer in charge of a police station may exercise in a cognizable case. Where a case relates to two or more offences of which at least one is a cognizable, the case shall be deemed to be a cognizable case, notwithstanding that the other offences are non-congnizable. NEW BNSS ACT: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INFORM CITIZENS THAT UNDER NEW BNSS ACT, THE VICTIM HAS BEEN GIVEN MORE PROTECTION AS THE INVESTIGATION OFFICER MAY ATTACH, FORFEIT, OR RESTORE THE PROPERTY OF RESPONDENT THROUGH COURT UNDER THE FOLLOWING SECTION. Section 107 in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 If the victim has evidence that the respondent has acquired the properties either movable or immovable by the crime proceeds i.e the money which he wrongfully gained or acquired by causing wrongful loss to the victim in deceitful means, he shall produce such evidence and may request the investigation officer to invoke aforementioned section.

What is the procedure after the complaint of a victim is registered as an FIR by the police? A. As and when an investigation officer is entrusted with investigation of a criminal case, he shall record the statement of a victim, visit scene of offence and draw the rough sketch, scene of observation panchanama in the presence of two Local respectable mediators and also got photographed and video graphed the scene of offence. B. Thereafter, he collects all relevant documentary and electronic evidence including examination and recording statements of any other witnesses who are relevant to the crime. C. If the prima facie case is established against the respondent in a case where the punishment for crime is 7 or below 7years, he will issue a notice under section 35 (3)of BNSS to the respondent if he feels that the arrest is not necessary to appear before him for enquiry. On receipt of such notice the respondent shall appear before the IO on date, time & place mentioned in that notice. If respondent fails to appear before the investigation officer, the respondent may be arrested after obtaining permission from the concerned court. D. If necessary, the IO may conduct search and seizure at respondent places to seize properties, documents and any other material relevant to the case.These searches and seizures may conduct at any person’s places which is relevant to the case if the IO feels necessary for the purpose of investigation. E. Once the respondent appears before the investigation officer, he will conduct inquiry regarding the crime and ascertain the facts. If evidence shows that the respondent commits crime, the investigation officer submits a final report/charge sheet in the court of law under section 193 BNSS. F. In cases where punishment is more than 7 years the investigation officer shall follow the same procedure except issuing a notice as afore mentioned. In these cases, respondent be arrested unless he obtains anticipatory bail from court. G. After filing charge sheet in the concerned court, the honourable court TAKES cognisance of the offence and conduct trail. The public prosecutor will assist court in conducting trial and produce all the evidence gathered by the investigation officer before the honourable court to ensure that justice be done to the victim and to prove his case in the court.

What if I get a call from a police officer? a. First of all, you need to ascertain the caller identity whether he is a genuine police officer or not by asking him politely about his name, designation, identity and check with google. Once it is confirmed that he is a police officer, and if you haven’t done anything against law, no need to worry. B. you can ask the police officer about reasons for your presence before him and if he sends any evidence like FIR that you have involved in any crime or confirm your role in that crime though your name is not surfaced in the FIR. You should meet the police officer with your advocate or a friend, or a member of the family and assist him in his investigation. C. If you are not done any thing against law, you will be sent back. But you have involved in a crime, they may arrest you based on the nature of the crime.

Under what circumstances my mobile phone, laptop/tab, vehicle, and my property be seized by the police and what should I do in such circumstances? If you are an accused in a crime, police seize all your belongings whichever involved in crime including cash also. If you are an employee of an accused firm, but you are not involved in crime, then also all the gadgets involved in crime done by your company, will be seized. If you are a witness but not an accused and if the gadgets, vehicles, etc used by the accused in committing crime, will be seized by police. If you are an accused, all the items seized shall be given after completion of trial and some of the items such are vehicles, perishable items can be obtained through court after following due process. But the electronic gadgets mostly will be returned after the trial only which takes not less than three years. When the police enter your place of stay or office to seize your belongings, they shall follow certain legal procedures. While they enter your premises, either they shall show you the search warrant issued by the court or issued by their superior police officer. Or if the premises is suspected to be depository of stolen goods or suspected articles, police officer can enter. The officer conducting search shall conduct in the presence of two local respectable Persons and he shall prepare a list of seized articles and singed by the police officer and two witness and such copy shall be supplied to the in charge of the place of search. Entire search operation mandatorily shall be video graphed through preferably by mobile phone and forthwith send such communication to the concerned magistrate without any delay.

What is an LOC ( Look Out Circular)? Why is it issued? A Look-out Circular (LOC) is a notice issued by police, investigation agency to stop any individual who is an accused of a crime from leaving or entering into the country through designated air, land and seaports. When an LOC is issued against an individual, it is circulated to all entry and exit points of the country, such as airports and seaports. This ensures that immigration officials are promptly informed, allowing them to take necessary actions to detain the individual if they attempt to leave the country. There are 86 immigration check posts existed in India and this notice is circulated to all these check posts once it is issued. In our state, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DD for Hyderabad city and Superintendents of Police for districts are authorised to issue these notices through CID which is a nodal agency for the state. The primary purpose of an LOC is to prevent the accused person from leaving the country and evading the legal process. By alerting immigration authorities and border control, law enforcement agencies can effectively stop the accused from absconding. it is particularly relevant in the context of preventing the absconding of accused persons, especially those involved in financial crimes. Look-out Circulars are commonly used in cases related to financial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering, and economic offenses. In such cases, where the accused may have substantial resources and international connections, the risk of absconding is higher, making the use of LOCs crucial. It’s important to note that the issuance of Look-out Circulars should be done judiciously, ensuring that the legal process is followed, and the rights of the individuals are respected. It is a preventive measure aimed at ensuring that accused persons face the legal consequences of their actions and do not evade justice by leaving the jurisdiction. In Indian law, the issuance of Look-out Circulars (LOCs) is not explicitly governed by a specific penal section. Instead, it falls under the administrative and executive powers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration. The guidelines for issuing LOCs are laid out by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and they are primarily used to prevent individuals from leaving the country to evade legal proceedings. Though the issuance of LOC is an administrative measure, the affected party i.e. accused may challenge it it in the High court if he feels that it is a violation of his right. However, the Hon’ble high court decides whether to continue the LOC or quash on merits of each case.

What is RED CORNER NOTICE? Why is it issued? A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action issued by the INTERPOL through the National Central Bureaus of concerned countries and the CBI is the nodal agency for issuance of Red corner Notices in India. It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person. It contains two main types of information: Information to identify the wanted person, such as their name, date of birth, nationality, hair and eye colour, photographs and fingerprints if available. Information related to the crime they are wanted for, which can typically be murder, rape, child abuse or armed robbery. Red Notices are published by INTERPOL at the request of a member country and must comply with INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules. Red Notices may be published only if the offence concerned is a serious ordinary-law crime. They may not be published for the following categories: Offences that raise controversial issues in some countries relating to behavioural or cultural norms. For example, prostitution or offences related to damaging honour; Offences relating to family/private matters. For example, adultery, bigamy/polygamy or homosexual acts; Offences originating from a violation of laws or regulations of an administrative nature or deriving from private disputes, unless the criminal activity is aimed at facilitating a serious crime or is suspected of being connected to organised crime. For example, traffic violations, defamation, or issuing unfunded cheques (unless there was a fraudulent or malicious intent at the time the cheque was issued). All Red Notice requests are reviewed for compliance with INTERPOL’s Rules by Interpol’s Notices and Diffusions Task Force, a specialised multilingual and multidisciplinary task force comprising lawyers, police officers and operational specialists. When assessing the compliance of a Notice, the Task Force considers all of the information available to it at the time. For example, information from the National Central Bureau requesting the Notice, other member countries and open sources. If a Notice or diffusion is assessed as no longer being in compliance with INTERPOL's Constitution and rules, it is cancelled. All member countries are informed of the decision and requested to remove any information from national databases. What should I do if I have information on an individual? Please inform your local police authorities and/or the INTERPOL General Secretariat. Can I find out if a Red Notice has been issued for me? You can contact the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), an independent body. Applications to the CCF are free of charge and treated confidentially.

What is YELLOW NOTICE? Why is it issued? A Yellow Notice is a global police alert for a missing person. It is published for victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances. The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself. This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad. How is a Yellow Notice published? Police in one of INTERPOL’s member countries request a Yellow Notice via their National Central Bureau, the CBI is a nodal agency in our country and provide information on the case. The Notice is then published by the General Secretariat in our database, which alerts police in all our member countries. Why is the Yellow Notice important? It gives high, international visibility to cases Abducted/missing persons are flagged to border officials, making travel difficult Countries can request and share critical information linked to the investigation.

POLICE VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE AND POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE The police issues the police verification and police clearance certificates to the citizens for the following purposes. Police Verification Certificate for private employees who are taken on contract/ temporary/ project works etc by Central and State government offices, public sector undertakings, and defence establishments. This PVC (Police Verification Certificate) will be issued to -Individuals being taken by above offices for above purposes. -To the companies and organisations -To the security agencies and security personnel also. The police clearance certificate is issued to individuals for study or employment abroad . These both PVC & PCC certificates are issued under i-verify automated PVC & PCC system by Telangana Police where citizens can apply online and get their digital PCC & PVC certificates.(pvc.tspolice.gov.in) LICENCES Citizens can obtain police licenses for their following businesses Star Hotel Bar Restaurant with Lodge Pub in Star Hotel Pub in Bar Restaurant Restaurant with Lodge Lodge Coffee Shop Tea Stall Cafe Bakery with Restaurant Bakery Ice Cream Parlour Sweet Shop Juice Center Theatre Canteen Drive in Restaurant Hotels Dhabas Mess Tiffin Center Any other Food Joints Cinematography Explosives Fire Crackers Petroleum Oil Lubricants A detail guidelines for obtaining these licenses are given in the Hyderabad city police website www.hyderabadpolice.gov.in

Permissions / Certificates The Telangana state police issue the following Permissions / Certificate through Mee-Seva. 1. Missing Documents/ Articles (24 services) -Arm License -Bank Pass Book -Bonds -Bond Certificate -Cell Phones -Certificates -Credit/ Debit Card -Driving License -Foreign Passport -Gas Book/ Regulator -Govt. Records -ID Cards -Indian Passport -Insurance Certificate -Marks Memo -Pattadhar -Passbook -Pension Book -Postal Pass Book -Title Deed -Transfer Certificate(TC) -Vehicle Fitness Certificate -Vehicle Insurance -Vehicle Registration -Certificate. 2. Event Bandhobust (18 services) -Audio Release Function -Benefits Show -Cinema Success Function -Commercial Displays -Co-operate -Anniversary Function -Cultural/Fashion Shows -Customer Meet at Public Place -Exhibitions/Circus -Film Shootings -Industrial Exhibition -Marriage Function Box Type -Speakers -Mobile Ads for Autos -Orchestra for Small Programs -Public Meeting -Rallies -Religious Functions -TV Shooting 3. Issuance of Certificate (11 services) -Certificate for Drivers Company -Certificate for Drivers Individual -Certificate for Drivers Institutions -Certificate for Job Verification -Certificate for Job Verification(Private) -Entry Pass for Defence Area etc -Gap Certificate for Students -Internship Verification for Students -NOC for Transfer of Vehicle All these services have been integrated with the Mee-seva and once the application is sent through the Meseva after prescribed fee paid and required documents uploaded, it is forwarded to the IT/SB cell of police department. Subsequently, it will be forwarded to the local police station who conduct due inquiry and send report to IT/SB cell, and they send same to Mee-Seva and it issues the certificate.

E-CHALLANA How do I know if any challana is issued on my vehicle? If you violate any traffic rules, you will be fined by issuing echallana and it shows your violation also. One can check in Hyderabad police website or Telangana state police website by entering their vehicle no and get the details of fines imposed on your vehicle. When you click over your fine amount, it shows QR code through which you can pay through any UPI or net banking also. You can pay over online by or at E-challan centre at Traffic control room opposite to Public gardens Hyderabad. Any query may be asked to this no 040-27852772 and email regarding e-challan. echallanhelpdesk.hyd@gmail.com As of now, there is no one settlement of payments of e-challan. Since the e-challana issued on clear violation captured over electronically, you cannot contest the e-challana.

DRUNKEN DRIVING (a) Drunk driving is an offence U/s 185 M.V. Act. (b) Permissible alcohol limit is upto and below 30 mg/100 ml of blood i.e., 30 micrograms/ 100 mlof blood. Anything above that, as recorded by a Breath Analyzer is a violation. (c) If you are found driving the vehicle in drunken condition a case will be booked against you by the Police. (d) In such case, if any person with valid Driving License accompanies you, he has to undergo breath test. If found not inebriated, the vehicle will be given to him, otherwise vehicle will be shifted to the Police Station for temporary custody. (e) The customers (respondent) will have to come to the Police Station next working day along with Original Driving License and Registration Certificate of vehicle and take back the vehicle. Whenever police summons, you should attend the court and police will file Charge sheet against you. (f) Following Punishment can be awarded: Penalty for Drunken driving is Rs. 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. Driving License will be suspended for 3 months and above or permanently. (g) Minors should not drive the vehicle and owners will be held responsible. (h) Silencers of two wheelers should not be removed and noise pollution should be avoided. (i) Customers are also informed that driving their vehicles in Over Speed, dangerous driving and racing in public places will also be punishable under sections 183, 184 of M.V.Act. Also, the concept of “designated driver for a day” who can safely take home co-passengers without himself/herself indulging in drinking beyond limit to be explained to the customers as well as displayed at prominent places for their safety. Method of checking of persons of drunken driving. Hyderabad Traffic Police has devised two tests for drunken driving. One is BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) test and another one is breath analyser test, in which you need to breathe into the analyser. If your test results exceed the total value of 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, then you will be charged guilty for the drink and drive offence. Hyderabad Traffic Police has devised two tests for drunken driving. How to Pay Your Drink and Drive Fine Amount in Hyderabad? Steps to make a drink and drive fine in Hyderabad payment online and offline: Online Payment of Drink and Drive Penalty in Hyderabad Step 1: Visit the official Hyderabad City Police website. Step 2: On the homepage, scroll down and find the “E-challan Details” option. Click on it. Step 3: You will be redirected to the e-challan payment page. Here, you need to provide your vehicle number and fill out the captcha. Then hit “Go.” Step 4: Your challan details will be displayed on the screen. Confirm the details and proceed with penalty payment. Step 5: After the payment is done, you can download your payment receipt using the transaction reference number.

Can I search for missing persons across the India? Yes you can. This is the url https://www.digitalpolicecitizenservices.gov.in/centercitizen/login.htm