Objective
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall focus on:
Collection of evidence establishing physical, mental, emotional, economic, or other forms of cruelty and harassment.
Providing immediate relief, protection, and support to the victim.
Facilitating lawful counseling and reconciliation wherever appropriate and desired by the parties.
Eliciting the truth behind the allegations through fair and impartial investigation.
Taking lawful action against offenders wherever the offence is established.
Conducting a qualitative, victim-centric, and evidence-based investigation.
Key Investigation Objectives
A. Recording the statement of the victim.
B. Establishing the history of marriage and matrimonial relationship.
C. Facilitating victim support, protection, and rehabilitation.
D. Restoring confidence among women in the justice delivery system.
E. Taking preventive action against habitual offenders wherever warranted under law.
I. Receipt of Complaint and Preliminary Counseling
Upon receipt of a complaint relating to matrimonial harassment, conduct preliminary counseling through authorized mechanisms wherever permissible under law and departmental instructions.
Attempt reconciliation only where:
No serious offence is disclosed.
The victim voluntarily expresses willingness.
There is no immediate threat to safety.
If counseling fails or cognizable offences are disclosed, register the FIR promptly.
II. Registration of FIR
Register FIR under appropriate provisions of law.
Send copies of the FIR online to all concerned officers.
Hand over a copy of the FIR to the complainant and obtain acknowledgment.
Record the complainant's statement in the vernacular language.
Mandatory Statement
The following statement shall be incorporated in Part-II Statements:
"I can identify the accused if they are shown to me."
III. Recording of Statements
Record statements in the exact language spoken by the witness as far as possible.
Statements may be recorded in Telugu or any language spoken by the witness.
Where statements are recorded in English, reasons shall be documented in the Case Diary and statements.
Statements of victims shall preferably be recorded at:
Residence,
Hospital,
Place of occurrence,
Any convenient location,
rather than summoning them repeatedly to the Police Station.
Persons to be Examined
Victim.
Husband.
Parents of both parties.
Close relatives.
Friends and neighbours.
Mediators involved in disputes.
Independent witnesses.
Other persons acquainted with matrimonial circumstances.
IV. Establishing Matrimonial History
The IO shall thoroughly investigate:
Date and particulars of marriage.
Duration of marriage.
Children born out of marriage.
Living arrangements.
Previous disputes.
Prior complaints or legal proceedings.
Counseling history.
Efforts at reconciliation.
Issues to be Examined
Dowry-related harassment.
Domestic violence.
Physical abuse.
Mental cruelty.
Emotional abuse.
Economic abuse.
Extramarital relationships.
Bigamy or second marriage.
Family interference.
Child-related disputes.
Financial problems and debts.
Business losses.
Sexual incompatibility issues.
Alcohol or substance abuse.
Joint family disputes.
Conflicts relating to separate residence.
Ego clashes and incompatibility.
Other matrimonial causes.
The investigation shall avoid stereotypical assumptions and establish facts through evidence.
V. Collection of Documentary and Electronic Evidence
The IO shall collect and preserve:
Documentary Evidence
Marriage documents.
Wedding photographs and videos.
Medical records.
Counseling records.
Family court records.
Maintenance proceedings.
Protection orders.
Letters and written communications.
Electronic Evidence
Mobile phone records.
Call logs.
SMS messages.
WhatsApp messages.
Emails.
Social media communications.
Audio recordings.
Video recordings.
Photographs.
Evidence relating to threats, abuse, harassment, demands, and communication between family members shall be collected wherever available.
VI. Medical Evidence
Where physical violence is alleged:
Immediately send the victim for medical examination.
Issue requisition to the Medical Officer.
Collect:
Injury Certificate.
Medical Certificate.
Treatment Records.
Discharge Summary.
Note and document:
Bruises.
Abrasions.
Struggle marks.
Fractures.
Other injuries.
Where specialized medical examination is required, obtain expert reports promptly.
VII. Scene of Occurrence Investigation
Visit the place of occurrence immediately where relevant.
Collect Geo-Location Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude).
Conduct Scene Observation Panchanama where physical violence or relevant incidents occurred.
Prepare Rough Sketch where necessary.
Undertake photography and videography of relevant locations.
Collect CCTV footage from:
Community surveillance systems.
Neighbouring establishments.
Residential premises.
VIII. Examination of Relatives and Independent Witnesses
Examine kith and kin of both parties.
Ascertain:
Nature of relationship.
Previous disputes.
Attempts at reconciliation.
History of harassment.
Record statements of independent witnesses wherever available.
Clearly mention:
Date of examination.
Place of examination.
Relationship to parties.
IX. Cases Involving Minors
Where minor children are involved:
Exercise special care and sensitivity.
Consider the welfare and best interests of the child.
Seek appropriate court orders wherever required.
Obtain age-related documents where relevant.
X. Arrest of Accused
Arrest shall not be made mechanically or routinely.
The IO shall establish specific overt acts and role of each accused person.
Comply with:
Supreme Court guidelines.
Section 41A CrPC and other applicable provisions.
Legal safeguards relating to arrest.
Before Arrest
The IO shall:
Assess necessity of arrest.
Examine evidence objectively.
Verify allegations through investigation.
After Establishment of Offence
Where arrest becomes necessary:
Arrest the accused in accordance with law.
Follow all statutory safeguards.
Conduct recovery proceedings where necessary before independent witnesses.
XI. Court Proceedings
The Investigating Officer shall:
Oppose bail where circumstances justify.
File applications for:
Remand extension.
Verification of sureties.
Test Identification Parade (TIP), wherever required.
Maintain close coordination with the Public Prosecutor.
XII. Victim Assistance and Rehabilitation
Provide information regarding:
Legal rights.
Protection mechanisms.
Available support services.
Coordinate with:
Protection Officers.
Women and Child Welfare Department.
Legal Services Authorities.
NGOs and support organizations.
Facilitate access to:
Shelter.
Counseling.
Medical care.
Legal aid.
Rehabilitation services.
XIII. Charge Sheet and Final Report
Collect all documentary, oral, electronic, and medical evidence.
Prepare Draft Charge Sheet after completion of investigation.
Obtain legal opinion from PP/APP wherever necessary.
Clearly establish:
Specific allegations.
Role of each accused.
Supporting evidence.
Motive and circumstances.
Submit Charge Sheet/Final Report within the stipulated period.
Responsibility of Investigating Officer
The Investigating Officer shall ensure:
Fair, impartial, and lawful investigation.
Sensitive handling of victims.
Proper documentation of matrimonial history.
Collection of reliable evidence.
Compliance with legal safeguards relating to arrest.
Support and protection for victims.
Timely completion of investigation.
Goal
To establish the truth through a fair and evidence-based investigation, protect the rights and dignity of the victim, facilitate lawful resolution wherever possible, and ensure effective prosecution where criminal conduct is established.