Objective
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall focus on:
Applying the correct provisions of law based on facts and evidence.
Identifying and apprehending the offender(s).
Conducting a qualitative, professional, and legally sustainable investigation.
Collecting relevant documentary, oral, physical, and electronic evidence.
Ensuring effective prosecution and deterrence of future offences.
Key Investigation Objectives
A. Recording the statement of the complainant and witnesses.
B. Collection of evidence necessary to prove the offence.
C. Prevention of recurring offences through appropriate preventive measures against habitual offenders wherever permissible under law.
I. Identification of Offence and Legal Provisions
The IO shall carefully identify the nature of offence and apply the appropriate provisions of law.
Illustrative categories may include:
Offences Against Public Authority
Obstructing public servants in discharge of lawful duties.
Disobedience of lawful orders of public authorities.
Harboring offenders.
Escape from lawful custody.
Public Order and Morality Offences
Public nuisance affecting health.
Sale or circulation of obscene material.
Obscene acts or songs in public places.
Promotion of enmity between groups.
Religious offences affecting places of worship and religious sentiments.
Offences Against Persons and Property
Exposure or abandonment of children.
Concealment of birth.
Mischief causing damage to property.
Criminal trespass and house trespass.
Criminal intimidation.
Insult and provocation.
Defamation.
The IO shall verify the current applicable legal provisions under the relevant statute in force and invoke the correct sections.
II. Registration of FIR and Initial Action
Register the FIR promptly under the 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 statement of the complainant/injured person 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. Collection of Foundational Evidence
Where public servants are involved as complainants or victims, collect:
Identity Cards.
Duty Certificates.
Attendance records.
Duty rosters.
Duty passes.
Deployment orders.
Official authorizations.
The IO shall establish that the public servant was discharging lawful duties at the relevant time.
IV. Collection of Documentary Evidence
The IO shall collect and preserve relevant documents according to the nature of the offence.
Examples of Documentary Evidence
Government orders.
Prohibitory orders.
Notices.
Letters and communications.
Certificates.
Admission records.
Transfer certificates.
Birth certificates.
Death certificates.
Property documents.
Lease agreements.
Pattadar passbooks.
Ownership records.
Hotel stay records.
Travel records.
Receipts and bills.
Religious literature and records.
Other relevant official documents.
All documents shall be properly seized, catalogued, and preserved.
V. Collection of Electronic Evidence
The IO shall collect and preserve:
CCTV footage.
Audio recordings.
Video recordings.
Voice recordings.
Mobile phone data.
Telephonic communications.
Electronic messages.
Emails.
Social media content.
Digital photographs.
Where required, obtain certification and forensic examination in accordance with applicable law.
VI. Examination of Witnesses
Examine:
Complainant.
Injured persons.
Eye witnesses.
Circumstantial witnesses.
Public servants.
Independent witnesses.
Record statements in writing.
Clearly mention:
Date of examination.
Place of examination.
Relationship to the incident.
Incorporate witness details into the Case Diary Statements (CDS).
VII. Scene of Occurrence Investigation
Visit the scene immediately.
Secure and preserve the scene.
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
The IO shall seize relevant material objects such as:
Weapons.
Rods.
Sticks.
Sickles.
Posters.
Banners.
Effigies.
Printed material.
Obscene literature.
Audio and video devices.
Damaged property.
Other incriminating objects.
VIII. Medical Evidence
Where injury is involved:
Immediately shift injured persons to hospital.
Provide police escort where necessary.
Obtain:
Medical Examination Report.
Wound Certificate.
Medical Certificate.
Discharge Summary.
Collect final medical opinion wherever required.
IX. Establishing Motive
The IO shall investigate and establish the motive behind the offence, wherever relevant.
Sources of motive may include:
Personal disputes.
Political rivalry.
Religious issues.
Property disputes.
Financial motives.
Professional conflicts.
Previous enmity.
Public agitation.
Other relevant causes.
X. Arrest of Accused
Arrest the accused wherever legally warranted.
Ensure compliance with:
Section 41 CrPC/BNSS provisions.
Supreme Court guidelines.
Other applicable legal safeguards.
Avoid unnecessary or unlawful arrest.
Recovery Proceedings
Conduct recovery proceedings before independent local witnesses.
Avoid use of stock panch witnesses.
Recover:
Weapons.
Documents.
Electronic devices.
Other incriminating material.
XI. Court Proceedings
The Investigating Officer shall:
Oppose bail where warranted by facts and law.
File applications through the Public Prosecutor for:
Remand extension.
Verification of sureties.
Test Identification Parade (TIP), wherever required.
Maintain close liaison with the prosecution.
XII. Property Management
Deposit seized property before the Court promptly.
Obtain Property Identification (PI) Number.
Maintain proper chain-of-custody records.
Guide the complainant regarding return of property through due legal process.
XIII. Charge Sheet and Final Report
Prepare Draft Charge Sheet after completion of investigation.
Obtain legal opinion from PP/APP wherever necessary.
Clearly establish:
Ingredients of the offence.
Identity of accused.
Motive.
Documentary evidence.
Witness testimony.
Physical and electronic evidence.
Submit Charge Sheet/Final Report within the stipulated period.
Responsibility of Investigating Officer
The Investigating Officer shall ensure:
Correct application of legal provisions.
Proper collection and preservation of evidence.
Fair and impartial investigation.
Timely arrest where warranted.
Effective coordination with government departments and experts.
Strong prosecution through legally admissible evidence.
Timely filing of Charge Sheet and Final Report.
Goal
To establish the truth through professional investigation, apply the correct legal provisions, secure conviction through reliable evidence, and maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.