In a move touted as a first such initiative in India, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Telangana Police has introduced a citizen-centric system that allows First Information Reports (FIR) to be registered at the residence or place of choice of victims, eliminating the need for them to visit police stations in sensitive cases.
The new initiative is applicable for victims of seven crime categories: offences against women and children, crimes affecting the human body, property offences, and cases under special laws such as the POCSO Act, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Telangana Prohibition of Ragging Act. Officials said prompt registration of FIRs in such cases was crucial for safeguarding victims’ dignity, safety and access to justice.
Under the new procedure, upon receiving telephonic or oral information about a cognisable offence in the specified categories, the jurisdictional police, or any officer in the case of a Zero FIR, will immediately proceed to the victim’s residence, place of offence, hospital or any other location chosen by the complainant. The complaint will be recorded on-site and forwarded to the police station concerned for registration of the FIR, a copy of which will be provided to the victim at their location. Where required, statements under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will also be recorded at the same place, while steps will be taken simultaneously to secure the crime scene and evidence.
Additional Director General of Police, CID Telangana, Charu Sinha said the initiative was aimed at preventing delays and adopting a more empathetic, citizen-centric approach. “Victims are already distressed.The idea is to be sensitive to citizens condition and needs, and not to keep them waiting at police stations,” she said.
She explained that police personnel would be required to visit the victim’s residence or hospital if the person is injured and undergoing treatment, record the details, and then return to the police station to formally register the FIR. The FIR would be communicated to the victim through email or WhatsApp, or a hard copy would be provided if required.
Standard Operating Procedures were circulated to Superintendents of Police across all districts, and a series of training programmes will be conducted over the next week to ensure smooth implementation. The SOPs lay down timelines for FIR registration, the procedure to be followed, and the specific Sections of law under which the provision is applicable. Officials said the rollout process is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
Police said the initiative marked a significant shift from a station-centric to a citizen-centric model of policing, aimed at reducing trauma, ensuring timely registration of cases and reinforcing public trust in the criminal justice system.
