Formal Written Police Complaint / FIR Drafting Format
थाना प्रभारी को औपचारिक लिखित शिकायत / प्राथमिकी प्रारूप
यह फॉर्म गाइड हिंदी में पढ़ें (Read in Hindi) →
Legal written complaint describing cognizable offences (cheating, theft, threats, domestic violence, property trespass).
Documents required (आवश्यक दस्तावेज)
- Detailed written complaint addressing SHO
- Supporting Evidence (Chat screenshots, Bank statements, Photos)
- Complainant's Aadhaar & Phone Number
- Witness Details (if any)
Key details
- Authority: Station House Officer (SHO) / Local Police Station
- Stamp paper / fee: Plain Paper
- How to submit: In-person at Police Station with stamped receiving acknowledgment
- Processing time: Immediate acknowledgment receipt (GD / FIR)
- Official portal: https://cctns.gov.in
How to apply
Establish Local Police Station Jurisdiction
Determine the exact police station having geographic jurisdiction over the location where the alleged incident or offence occurred.
Draft the Complaint in Structured Format
Address the complaint formally to the Station House Officer (SHO), detailing the date, time, location, suspect details, and sequence of events.
Compile Supporting Documentary and Digital Evidence
Attach photocopies of documentary proofs, transaction receipts, medical examination reports, chat logs, or photographs corroborating the incident.
Submit in Person and Obtain Stamped Acknowledgment
Carry two physical printouts to the police station; submit one copy to the duty officer and insist on receiving a stamped diary number on the duplicate copy.
Track General Diary (GD) Entry or FIR Registration
If a cognizable offence is disclosed, police register an FIR under statutory criminal procedure; track progress using your diary number.
How to fill the form
- Address the application to: 'The Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station [Name], District [Name]'.
- Write your complete name, parent's name, residential address, occupation, and active phone number.
- Clearly mention the subject line: 'Complaint regarding [offence, e.g. cheating, criminal intimidation, physical assault, property trespass]'.
- Narrate the incident in chronological order with exact dates, times, names of perpetrators (if known), and names/contacts of eyewitnesses.
- Specify clearly what legal relief is sought (investigation, protection, recovery of property, or FIR registration), and sign with date.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the police station without a signed and stamped receiving copy showing the General Diary (GD) or Daily Diary (DD) number.
- Using vague or emotional language without stating concrete facts, specific dates, or financial amounts.
- Submitting original evidence documents instead of self-attested photocopies (always keep originals safe).
- Approaching the wrong police station outside territorial jurisdiction (though Zero FIR can be registered anywhere for serious offences).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if the police station refuses to accept my written complaint?
You can send the complaint by registered post to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), or file a private complaint before the Judicial Magistrate.
- What is the difference between a police complaint and an FIR?
A complaint is an allegation submitted by a citizen, while an FIR (First Information Report) is the statutory document registered by the police when a cognizable crime is disclosed.
- Is there any court fee or stamp duty on a police complaint?
No, police complaints can be drafted on plain A4 paper and no stamp duty or court fee is payable.
- What is a Zero FIR?
A Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a serious cognizable crime regardless of territorial jurisdiction, and subsequently transfer it to the concerned police station.
- Can I track the status of my police complaint online?
Yes, many states allow tracking through their CCTNS citizen portal or state police app using the complaint reference number.