Objective
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall focus on:
Speedy investigation and disposal of cases.
Establishing the truth regarding negligence, rash driving, road engineering defects, mechanical failure, or accidents caused by natural factors.
Conducting a professional, scientific, and qualitative investigation.
Identifying and apprehending the offending vehicle and driver.
Providing timely assistance and relief to victims and their families.
Key Investigation Objectives
A. Recording statements of injured persons and witnesses.
B. Collection of Medical Evidence, PME Reports, FSL Reports, and MVI Reports.
C. Identification and prosecution of the offending vehicle and driver.
D. Assisting victims in compensation and insurance claims.
E. Restoring public confidence through prompt and effective investigation.
I. Immediate Response and Life Saving Measures
Highest Priority – Saving Human Life
Preservation of life shall be the foremost responsibility of the Investigating Officer.
Immediately arrange transportation of injured persons to the nearest hospital.
Provide police escort wherever necessary.
Ensure urgent medical treatment without waiting for procedural formalities.
Collect identity particulars of the injured person.
Inform family members, relatives, or emergency contacts immediately.
Maintain regular contact with the injured and their family members.
II. Registration of FIR and Initial Action
Register the FIR promptly under appropriate provisions of law.
Send copies of the FIR to all concerned officers without delay.
Examine the complainant/injured person and record:
Name.
Address.
Contact number.
Details of occurrence.
Serve a copy of the FIR to the complainant wherever applicable.
III. Scene of Crime Investigation
Visit the scene of occurrence immediately.
Secure and preserve the accident scene.
Prevent disturbance of physical evidence.
Collect Geo-Location Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude).
Conduct detailed Scene Observation Panchanama.
Prepare Rough Sketch showing:
Point of impact.
Position of victim.
Direction of movement.
Skid marks.
Debris.
Escape route of offending vehicle.
Photography and Videography
The IO shall undertake:
Wide-angle photography.
Close-up photography.
Videography of the scene.
Documentation of road conditions and traffic signs.
IV. Identification of Offending Vehicle
The IO shall carefully examine the scene to identify the type of vehicle involved.
Physical Evidence to be Collected
Skid marks.
Tyre impressions.
Broken glass pieces.
Headlight fragments.
Indicator lamp pieces.
Vehicle paint scrapings.
Broken number plate pieces.
Plastic components.
Metal fragments.
Other vehicle debris.
Scene Analysis
The IO shall determine:
Type of vehicle involved.
Direction of travel.
Speed indicators.
Point of collision.
Possible escape route.
All observations shall be reflected in the Panchanama and Rough Sketch.
V. Examination of Witnesses
Examine:
Injured persons.
Eye witnesses.
Circumstantial witnesses.
Nearby shopkeepers.
Local residents.
Record statements promptly.
Incorporate witness details in the Case Diary Statements (CDS).
Information to be Elicited
Type of vehicle.
Registration number (full or partial).
Colour and make of vehicle.
Distinguishing features.
Direction of escape.
Number of occupants.
Driver characteristics.
Whether driver appeared intoxicated.
Details of pillion rider or passengers.
VI. CCTV and Electronic Evidence
Collect CCTV footage from:
Traffic junctions.
Commercial establishments.
Residential premises.
Toll plazas.
Petrol bunks.
Highways.
Preserve footage immediately.
Analyze footage to:
Trace vehicle movement.
Identify registration number.
Identify occupants.
VII. Investigation Through Intelligence and Liaison
The IO shall maintain liaison with:
Transport and Vehicle Operators
DCM operators.
Auto unions.
Lorry owners.
Fleet operators.
RTC officials.
Travel agencies.
Commercial Establishments
Tea stalls.
Petrol bunks.
Highway dhabas.
Service stations.
Transport offices.
Check Posts and Toll Gates
Verify toll plaza records.
Verify check-post records.
Examine surveillance footage.
Trace vehicle movement through toll systems.
VIII. Vehicle and Owner Verification
Upon identifying the suspected vehicle:
Verify ownership details through Transport Department records.
Collect:
Registration Certificate (RC).
Driving Licence (DL).
Insurance documents.
Fitness Certificate.
Permit.
Trip Sheet.
Examine:
Vehicle owner.
Driver.
RTC Controller (where applicable).
Obtain:
Log Sheet (RTC vehicles).
Vehicle movement records.
IX. Motor Vehicle Inspection
Arrange inspection through:
Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), or
Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (AMVI).
Obtain MVI Report promptly.
Examine:
Damage patterns.
Mechanical condition.
Paint transfer.
Collision indicators.
Correlate MVI findings with scene evidence.
X. Fatal Accident Investigation
Inquest Proceedings
Conduct inquest before local Panchayatdars and independent witnesses.
Record:
Identity of deceased.
Nature of injuries.
Circumstances of death.
Post-Mortem Examination
Send the dead body to the Government Hospital immediately.
Forward proper requisition.
Provide escort.
Obtain PME Report and final medical opinion.
Seizure During Inquest
Seize:
Clothes.
Ornaments.
Personal belongings.
Other relevant articles.
XI. Unknown Dead Body Cases
Where the deceased remains unidentified:
Flash VHF message to all Police Units.
Issue Look-Out Notice.
Publish photographs through:
Print media.
Electronic media.
Social media platforms.
Upload details to:
Criminal Intelligence System.
Missing Persons databases.
Obtain:
Fingerprints.
DNA profile.
Other identifying details.
Preserve the body for identification for 72 hours.
Dispose of the body as per prescribed procedure after expiry of preservation period.
XII. Arrest of Accused
Identify and apprehend the offending driver without undue delay.
Follow legal safeguards under:
Section 41 CrPC/BNSS provisions.
Supreme Court guidelines.
Conduct lawful arrest and documentation.
Recovery Proceedings
Conduct recovery proceedings before independent local witnesses.
Recover:
Vehicle.
Damaged parts.
Documents.
Other incriminating evidence.
XIII. Forensic and Expert Evidence
Forward material objects to FSL where required.
Obtain:
FSL Reports.
DNA Reports.
PME Reports.
MVI Reports.
Expert Opinions.
Correlate scientific evidence with witness statements and scene findings.
XIV. Victim Assistance and Compensation
Assist victims and families in filing insurance claims.
Help in preparation and submission of Form No. 54 and other statutory documents.
Guide victims regarding compensation procedures.
Maintain regular communication with affected families.
XV. Closure Procedure
Serve notice to the complainant before closure of the case.
Submit proposal to the ACP/Competent Authority where required.
Ensure all investigative steps are completed.
Submit Final Report within the stipulated period.
Responsibility of Investigating Officer
The Investigating Officer shall ensure:
Immediate life-saving assistance.
Scientific scene investigation.
Prompt identification of offending vehicle.
Effective collection of technical and forensic evidence.
Timely arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Assistance to victims and families.
Proper coordination with transport, forensic, and prosecuting agencies.
Goal
To identify and prosecute the offending driver, establish the true cause of the accident through scientific investigation, provide relief and assistance to victims, and ensure justice through timely and effective prosecution.