Objective
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall focus on:
Collection and preservation of scientific and documentary evidence.
Providing immediate medical aid, protection, and support to the victim.
Eliciting the truth behind the commission of the offence.
Prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution of the offender.
Conducting a qualitative, victim-centric, and legally sustainable investigation.
Key Investigation Objectives
A. Recording the statement of the victim.
B. Collection of Medical Evidence, FSL Reports, Expert Opinions, and Scientific Evidence.
C. Securing conviction of the offender through reliable evidence.
D. Restoring confidence among women in the criminal justice system.
E. Taking preventive action against habitual offenders wherever warranted under law.
I. Registration of FIR and Initial Action
Register the FIR immediately upon receipt of information regarding the offence.
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 statement of the complainant/victim promptly in the vernacular language.
Mandatory Statement
The following statement shall be incorporated in all Part-II Statements:
"I can identify the accused if they are shown to me."
II. Recording of Victim Statements
Record the statement of the victim in the exact language spoken by her as far as possible.
Statements may be recorded in Telugu or any other language spoken by the witness.
If recorded in English, reasons shall be documented in Part-I, Part-II Statements, and Case Diary.
Statements of victims shall preferably be recorded at:
Residence,
Hospital,
Crime scene,
Any place convenient to the victim,
instead of summoning them repeatedly to the Police Station.
III. Victim Care and Protection
Treat the victim with dignity, sensitivity, and respect.
Ensure privacy during examination and recording of statements.
Where appropriate, examination may take place in the presence of:
Parent,
Guardian,
Family member,
Woman mediator/support person.
Provide female escorts while accompanying the victim to:
Hospital,
Court,
Medical examination,
Other official proceedings.
IV. Investigation into Motive and Circumstances
The IO shall ascertain and document:
Sexual harassment.
Sexual jealousy.
Domestic violence.
Inimical relationships.
Kidnapping motives.
Forced marriage.
Trafficking-related motives.
Outraging modesty.
Public humiliation or insult.
Criminal intimidation.
Eve teasing.
Stalking.
Harassment at schools, colleges, workplaces, and public places.
Prior relationship between victim and accused.
History and background of the accused.
The complete circumstances leading to the offence shall be established.
V. Medical Examination and Scientific Evidence
Immediately send injured victims for medical examination with proper requisition.
Ensure preservation of relevant forensic evidence.
Obtain:
Injury Certificate.
Medical Examination Report.
Medical Certificate.
Discharge Summary.
Note and document:
Struggle marks.
Bruises.
Abrasions.
Bite marks.
Other injuries.
Minor Victims
Exercise special care while dealing with minor victims.
Follow all legal procedures relating to child victims.
Ensure collection of scientific evidence with utmost care.
Expert Reports
Where necessary, obtain:
Age Determination Certificate.
Dental Examination Report.
Medical Expert Opinion.
Psychological Assessment Reports.
Other specialized expert reports.
VI. Scene of Crime Investigation
Visit the scene of occurrence immediately.
Collect Geo-Location Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude).
Conduct Scene Observation Panchanama.
Prepare Rough Sketch at the scene.
Undertake photography and videography.
Collection of Physical Evidence
Collect and preserve:
Clothing.
Personal belongings.
Broken articles.
Footprints.
Struggle marks.
Weapons or implements used.
Other incriminating evidence.
CCTV Evidence
Collect CCTV footage from:
Community surveillance systems.
Neighbouring residences.
Commercial establishments.
Public places.
VII. Examination of Witnesses
Examine:
Eye witnesses.
Circumstantial witnesses.
Family members.
Neighbours.
Friends and associates.
Other relevant witnesses.
Record statements in handwriting wherever possible.
Allow witnesses to depose at locations convenient to them wherever permissible.
Clearly mention:
Date of examination.
Place of examination.
Relationship to victim or accused.
VIII. Investigation of Kidnapping and Abduction Cases (Sections 363, 366, 366A)
Immediately initiate tracing efforts.
Collect:
Mobile phone details.
Call Data Records.
Social media information.
Travel details.
CCTV footage from transport hubs.
Verify:
Friends.
Associates.
Relatives.
Suspected locations.
Establish:
Movement of victim.
Movement of accused.
Purpose of kidnapping or abduction.
Ensure prompt recovery and safe restoration of the victim.
IX. Arrest of Accused
Upon establishment of prima facie evidence, take steps for arrest of the accused.
Arrest shall be conducted in accordance with:
Supreme Court guidelines.
Section 41A CrPC and other applicable provisions.
Legal safeguards relating to arrest.
Avoid unnecessary delay where arrest is legally warranted.
Recovery Proceedings
Conduct recovery proceedings before independent local witnesses.
Avoid use of stock panch witnesses.
Recover and seize:
Weapons.
Clothing.
Communication devices.
Other incriminating articles.
X. Court Proceedings
The Investigating Officer shall:
Oppose bail where circumstances warrant.
File applications for:
Remand extension.
Verification of sureties.
Test Identification Parade (TIP), wherever required.
Maintain coordination with the Public Prosecutor.
XI. Charge Sheet and Final Report
Collect all relevant evidence including:
Victim statements.
Witness statements.
Medical evidence.
FSL Reports.
Expert Opinions.
Electronic evidence.
CCTV footage.
Prepare Draft Charge Sheet.
Obtain legal opinion from PP/APP.
Clearly establish:
Role of accused.
Motive.
Sequence of events.
Supporting evidence.
Submit Charge Sheet/Final Report within the stipulated period.
XII. Victim Support and Rehabilitation
Keep the victim informed regarding investigation progress.
Facilitate access to:
Medical treatment.
Counseling services.
Legal aid.
Shelter and rehabilitation services, where required.
Coordinate with welfare agencies and support organizations wherever necessary.
Responsibility of Investigating Officer
The Investigating Officer shall ensure:
Prompt registration and investigation.
Sensitive and respectful treatment of victims.
Scientific collection and preservation of evidence.
Timely arrest of offenders wherever warranted.
Effective prosecution through legally admissible evidence.
Protection and support of victims throughout the criminal justice process.
Goal
To protect the dignity, safety, and rights of women, establish the truth through professional and scientific investigation, secure conviction of offenders through strong evidence, and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.