How to File a Police Complaint Online in India (2025)

FIR vs. Police Complaint — What's the Difference?

An FIR (First Information Report) is a written document registered by the police when they receive information about a cognisable offence — one where police can arrest without a warrant. FIRs are mandatorily registered under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — BNSS). Cognisable offences include theft, robbery, assault, murder, rape, cheating, and most offences under the IPC/BNS that attract punishment of 3 years or more.

A police complaint (sometimes called a written complaint or general complaint) is used for non-cognisable offences where police cannot act without a magistrate's direction. Examples include defamation, assault causing minor injury, and cheating below a certain threshold. The police record it in the General Diary (GD) and forward it to the magistrate.

When Can You File Online?

Most state police departments now have online complaint portals. Online filing is appropriate for:

Cyber crimes — online fraud, phishing, identity theft, social media harassment.
Missing person reports.
Lost property or documents (lost certificate complaints).
Non-urgent complaints where physical safety is not immediately at risk.

For ongoing violence, threat to life, theft in progress, or other emergencies — call 100 (Police), 1930 (Cyber Crime Helpline), or go to the nearest police station in person.

State Police Online Complaint Portals

Most state police departments operate dedicated portals. Key ones include:

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in — for all cyber crimes including financial fraud, online harassment, obscene content.
Delhi Police: delhipolice.gov.in → Online Services → Lodge Complaint.
Maharashtra Police: mahapolice.gov.in.
Tamil Nadu Police: eservices.tnpolice.gov.in.
Karnataka Police: ksp.karnataka.gov.in.
Telangana Police: tscop.gov.in.
UP Police: uppolice.gov.in.

How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint — Step by Step

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) is the most important portal for financial cyber crimes.

Visit cybercrime.gov.in and click "File a Complaint".
For financial fraud (UPI fraud, online banking fraud): select "Report Financial Fraud" — this triggers immediate action with banks to freeze fraudulent accounts. Time is critical — file within 24 hours of the fraud for best results.
Provide your personal details, bank account details, transaction details, and description of fraud.
Upload supporting documents — screenshots of fraudulent transactions, messages, call recordings.
Note the complaint number for tracking.

The Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 is available 24/7 specifically for financial cyber fraud. Calling 1930 within minutes of a fraud can sometimes result in the fraudulent transaction being reversed before it is withdrawn.

What if Police Refuse to Register an FIR?

This is unfortunately common. Under Section 154(3) CPC (Section 173(3) BNSS), if the officer in charge of a police station refuses to register an FIR, you can send the substance of the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Police (SP) by post. The SP must either investigate the case personally or direct a subordinate to do so.

Alternatively, you can file a complaint directly before the Judicial Magistrate under Section 156(3) CPC (Section 175(3) BNSS), which empowers the Magistrate to direct the police to register and investigate the FIR. This is an extremely effective remedy and courts regularly issue such directions.

You can also file a complaint on the National Police Helpline (dial 112) or approach the State Human Rights Commission or National Human Rights Commission if the refusal amounts to a violation of fundamental rights.

How to Draft an Effective Police Complaint

Whether filing online or in writing, your complaint should:

State facts chronologically with precise dates, times, and locations.
Name the accused persons with full identity details if known.
Specify the offences under the BNS/IPC, IT Act, or other applicable statute.
List all evidence and witnesses.
State the relief sought — FIR registration, arrest, investigation.

A complaint drafted with proper legal citations is harder for police to dismiss and sets a clear record for Magistrate review if police are unresponsive.

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