First Information Report

F.I.R is the abbreviated form of First Information Report. It is the information recorded by the police officer on duty, given either by the aggrieved person or any other person about the commission of an illegal offense. On the basis of the F.I.R, the police start their investigation.

Who can file the First Information Report?

Any person can file an F.I.R. He need not be the aggrieved person. It may be merely hearsay and need not be by the person who has had firsthand knowledge of the facts.

Where to file the First Information Report?

An F.I.R can be filed in the police station of the concerned area in whose jurisdiction the offense has occurred. It must be made to the officer-in-charge of the police station and if he is not available the Assistant Sub Inspector is competent to enter upon the investigation.

How to file the First Information Report?

When a wrong has been committed and that aggrieved person or any other person wants to file an F.I.R. it shall be filed in the following manner.

� Go to the police station and meet the officer-in-charge.
� Step by step in an orderly sequence narrate to the officer every information relating to the commission of the offense.
� The officer shall reduce the information given in writing.
� The information given shall be signed by the person giving it.
� The information given shall be entered in a book to be kept by the officer.
Copy of the information as recorded shall be given free of cost to the informant.

If the officer in charge refuses to record the information, the information may be sent in writing and by the post, to the Superintendent if Police concerned who, if satisfied that such information discloses the commission of a cognizable offense shall either investigate the case himself or direct an investigation to be made by any police officer subordinate to him.

Investigation

Once the F.I.R has been registered the investigation in the case shall begin.