Yes, you can file a police complaint online in India. Under Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, information about a cognizable offence can now be given through electronic communication. Most states have launched e-FIR or e-complaint portals, and the national cybercrime.gov.in portal handles all cyber-related complaints. While online filing has legal backing, you will usually need to visit the police station within 3 days to sign the complaint in person.
Why this matters
Not everyone can visit a police station immediately. You may be physically injured, in a different city, elderly, disabled, or simply afraid of visiting the police station alone. Online complaint filing removes these barriers. It also creates a digital record that is timestamped and difficult to deny — which means the police cannot later claim they never received your complaint. Since the BNSS came into force on 1 July 2024, electronic filing has been given stronger legal recognition across India.
Three ways to file a police complaint online
Option 1: State police e-FIR / e-complaint portal
Most states have their own online portals for filing FIRs or complaints.
How to use it:
- Go to your state police website — search "[your state] police online complaint" or "[your state] e-FIR portal"
- Create an account using your mobile number (OTP-based verification)
- Fill in the complaint form — incident details, date, time, location, description of the offence
- Upload supporting documents — photographs, screenshots, medical reports, receipts
- Submit — you will receive a reference number or acknowledgement via SMS/email
- Visit the police station within 3 days to sign the complaint and complete the formal FIR process
Key state portals (as of 2026):
| State | Portal | What You Can File |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | delhipolice.gov.in | e-FIR for vehicle theft, lost articles, and general complaints |
| Maharashtra | citizen.mahapolice.gov.in | e-complaints and FIRs for select offences |
| Karnataka | ksp.karnataka.gov.in | Online complaint registration |
| Tamil Nadu | eservices.tnpolice.gov.in | Online FIR for lost property, vehicle theft |
| Uttar Pradesh | uppolice.gov.in | Online complaint system |
| Rajasthan | police.rajasthan.gov.in | Citizen portal for e-complaints |
Important: Not all offences can be filed online through state portals. Many states currently limit e-FIRs to specific offences like vehicle theft, lost mobile phones, or lost documents. For serious cognizable offences (assault, robbery, murder), you will likely need to visit the police station in person — but you can file the initial information online.
Option 2: National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in)
For any cyber-related crime — online fraud, hacking, cyberstalking, identity theft, social media threats, financial fraud (UPI scams, fake websites), or crimes against women and children online — use the national portal.
How to use it:
- Go to https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Click "File a Complaint"
- Register with your name and mobile number (OTP verification)
- Select the category of complaint:
- Women/Child related: For sexual harassment, obscene content, cyberstalking, revenge pornography
- Financial Fraud: For UPI fraud, credit card fraud, phishing, fake investment schemes
- Other Cyber Crime: For hacking, identity theft, social media abuse, etc.
- Fill in details and upload evidence (screenshots, transaction records, URLs)
- Submit — you receive a complaint number for tracking
Special features:
- Anonymous reporting is available for crimes against women and children
- Complaints are automatically forwarded to the relevant state cyber cell for action
- You can track your complaint status using the complaint number
- Helpline 1930 is available 24/7 for reporting financial cyber fraud
Option 3: Email complaint to the police station
Under Section 173(1) BNSS, you can send your complaint via email or electronic communication to the police station. Send a detailed written complaint to the official email address of the police station having jurisdiction. Include:
- Your name, address, phone number
- Details of the incident (who, what, when, where, how)
- Attached evidence (photos, screenshots)
- A clear request for FIR registration
You must sign the complaint in person within 3 days of electronic submission. Keep a copy of the sent email and delivery receipt.
What happens after you file online
- Acknowledgement: You receive a reference number, SMS, or email confirmation
- Verification: The police station verifies your complaint
- In-person visit: You must visit the police station (usually within 3 days) to sign and confirm the complaint
- FIR registration: If the offence is cognizable, a formal FIR is registered
- Investigation: The police begin investigation and you receive a copy of the FIR
What if things go wrong
If the portal does not work or your complaint is not accepted
- Try an alternative portal (state portal or cybercrime.gov.in)
- Send the complaint via email to the police station
- Send a written complaint by registered post to the Superintendent of Police (SP) — this creates an undeniable paper trail
- As a last resort, approach the Magistrate under Section 175(3) BNSS to direct the police to register your FIR
If the police do not respond to your online complaint
- Follow up with the reference number at the police station
- File an RTI application asking for the status of your complaint
- Escalate to the SP in writing
- Approach the Magistrate if the police continue to ignore your complaint
If the police say online complaints are not valid
This is incorrect. Section 173(1) of the BNSS explicitly recognises electronic communication. However, the requirement to sign in person within 3 days is genuine — make sure you complete this step.
Documents and resources you need
- National Cybercrime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
- Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 (24/7 for financial fraud)
- Your state police portal: Search "[state name] police online complaint"
- Police emergency: 112
- Women helpline: 181
- NALSA helpline: 15100 (free legal aid)
- Documents to keep ready: ID proof, evidence (photos, screenshots, messages), incident details
Common myths
Myth: Online complaints are not treated as real FIRs. Reality: Under BNSS Section 173(1), electronic communication is a legally recognised mode of giving information about a cognizable offence. Once you sign in person, the online complaint becomes a formal FIR.
Myth: You can file an FIR for any crime online. Reality: Currently, most state portals limit e-FIRs to specific offences (vehicle theft, lost items). For serious offences, you may need to visit in person. The cybercrime portal, however, accepts a wide range of cyber-related complaints.
Myth: You do not need to visit the police station after filing online. Reality: In most cases, you must visit the police station within 3 days to sign the complaint. The online filing creates the record, but the formal process requires your physical signature.
Myth: Cybercrime.gov.in only handles hacking and IT crimes. Reality: The portal handles a wide range of offences including financial fraud, online harassment, cyberstalking, identity theft, fake profiles, revenge pornography, and crimes against women and children online.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for filing a police complaint online? No. Filing a police complaint — whether online or in person — is completely free. Under Section 173(2) BNSS, you are also entitled to a free copy of the FIR.
Can I file an online complaint for something that happened in another state? Yes. Under the Zero FIR system, you can file a complaint at any police station or through any state portal. For cybercrime, the national portal at cybercrime.gov.in works regardless of which state you are in.
How long does it take for police to act on an online complaint? There is no fixed timeline. For cybercrime complaints, the national portal typically forwards the complaint to the state cyber cell within 48-72 hours. For state police portals, action timelines vary. Follow up if you do not hear back within 7 days.
Can I track the status of my online complaint? Yes. The cybercrime.gov.in portal provides a tracking feature using your complaint number. Many state portals also offer complaint tracking. If no tracking is available, follow up at the police station with your reference number.
What if I do not have evidence — can I still file online? Yes. You can file a complaint based on your account of the incident. Evidence strengthens the case but is not a prerequisite for filing. The police are required to investigate and collect evidence.