If you’ve been attacked in India, here’s what you should do to file a complaint and seek help:
1. Contact the Police
Call 100 : Dial the national emergency helpline number for the police.
Visit the nearest police station : Go to the local police station in the jurisdiction where the attack occurred.
File FIR : You can file a First Information Report (FIR), which is the first step to begin a formal investigation.
Important Tip : Under Indian law, a police station cannot refuse to register an FIR for a cognizable offense (e.g., assault, physical violence).
2. Online Complaint (if you’re unable to visit a police station)
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal : For certain crimes, you can file a complaint online at Tamilnadu Police Register Online Complaint Though this portal primarily deals with cybercrimes, some states allow filing general complaints online.
Many states have individual police websites that offer the option of lodging complaints online.
3. Contact Women-Specific Helplines
Women-Specific Helplines If you’re a woman and were attacked in a gender-based violence incident, you can also :
- Call the Women’s Helpline 1091.
- Use the National Commission for Women (NCW) website to file a complaint
4. Medical Assistance
- Visit a hospital to get medical treatment if needed, and have your injuries documented. You can ask the medical personnel to inform the police, which will also help in initiating the legal process.
5. Legal Support
Seek assistance from a lawyer if needed to guide you through the legal process.
Follow the above steps to report the crime at the right place and avoid unnecessary confusion and get legal help.