Universal Guide: Filing an Online Police Report (e-FIR/Complaint)
You don’t have to visit a station just to report a lost wallet or a cyber scam anymore. Here is the field-notes version of how to file an online report anywhere in India. This process works for the majority of state police portals.
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Step 1: Find Your Portal
The very first thing is to go to the correct website.
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For Cybercrime Only: Go directly to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). This is the standard for all states.
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For Other Complaints (Lost Items, General Reports): Search for your state police website (e.g., [State Name] Police Official Website). Look for a section named “Citizen Services,” “Online Services,” or “e-FIR.”
Step 2: Register or Log In
Most portals require quick identity verification before you can start filling forms.
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Registration: You must provide your name, mobile number, and email ID.
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Verification: You get an OTP (One-Time Password) to your mobile or email. This verifies who you are.
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Log In: Use your verified details to access the complaint dashboard.
Step 3: Select the Right Category
This is crucial. You must select the right box, or your complaint could be delayed or bounced.
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Lost Articles: If you lost a document, phone, or wallet, look for a specific link called “Lost Article Report” or “Lost & Found.” This is usually a non-cognizable report.
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Theft/Crime: For more serious issues (e.g., vehicle theft, assault), select “e-FIR” or “Register Complaint.”
Step 4: Fill the Incident Details
Now, you fill out the online form. Be concise. Be accurate.
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Complainant Info: Fill in your full contact details (Name, Address, Mobile, Email).
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Incident Details: Write down What happened, Where (the specific location or jurisdiction), When (Date and approximate Time).
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The Description: Describe the incident or the lost article. For a lost phone, you must include the IMEI number. For a stolen vehicle, include the Registration Number.
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Accused Details: If you know who committed the crime, provide their names, addresses, or a physical description.
Step 5: Submit and Get the Receipt
Once the form is complete, you will likely enter a captcha code.
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Submission: Click the final Submit button.
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Confirmation: You will immediately get an Acknowledgement Receipt or an Application Reference Number (ARN) sent to your email and mobile.
Step 6: Follow Up
An online report is not the end of the line.
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Get the Copy: You should receive a copy of the report (e-FIR or Lost Report) via email. Download it. Print it. This is your proof.
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Track Status: Use the ARN on the state’s police portal to track the progress. The police will usually verify the details within 24 to 48 hours. They may call you to come to the station to sign a formal statement if it’s a serious case.
The police are legally bound to register an FIR for a serious (cognizable) offense. If they refuse to act on your online complaint, you can always escalate the issue to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or even file a complaint with the Magistrate.
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🛑 Disclaimer
WARNING: This is a general guide. Procedures and links vary by state. For all critical crimes or emergencies, immediately drop the laptop and call 112 or visit the nearest police station. Use common sense.
