Objective
The Investigating Officer (IO) shall focus on:
Collection and preservation of scientific evidence.
Providing immediate medical aid and support to the victim.
Eliciting the truth of the offence through lawful and professional investigation.
Prompt arrest and prosecution of the accused.
Conducting a qualitative, victim-centric, and evidence-based investigation.
Key Investigation Objectives
A. Recording the statement of the victim with dignity, empathy, and sensitivity.
B. Collection of Medical Evidence, FSL Reports, DNA Reports, and Expert Opinions.
C. Securing conviction of the offender through legally sustainable evidence.
D. Restoring confidence among women in the criminal justice system.
E. Taking preventive action against habitual offenders wherever warranted under law.
I. Receipt of Complaint and Registration of FIR
Receive the complaint, whether oral, written, electronic, or through any other lawful mode.
Reduce oral complaints into writing and read over the contents to the complainant.
If the victim is illiterate, record the complaint in writing and obtain thumb impression/signature after explaining the contents.
Verify that the complaint contains:
When the offence occurred.
Where it occurred.
Who committed the offence.
How the offence was committed.
Circumstances leading to the offence.
Improve the FIR by incorporating material omissions and clarifications, wherever necessary.
Register the FIR immediately 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.
II. Victim-Centered Approach
Treat the victim with dignity, sensitivity, patience, and empathy.
Avoid questions that may humiliate, intimidate, or retraumatize the victim.
Record statements in the language spoken by the victim.
Record statements at:
Hospital,
Residence of the victim,
Crime scene,
Any place convenient to the victim,
rather than summoning the victim to the Police Station.
Ensure the presence of:
Parent,
Guardian,
Husband,
Family member, or
Woman support person/mediators,
wherever appropriate.
Provide female escorts while taking the victim to:
Hospital,
Court,
Medical examination,
Other official proceedings.
III. Medical Examination and Scientific Evidence
Immediately send the victim for medical examination with proper requisition.
Ensure prompt medical treatment where required.
Request the Medical Officer to:
Conduct medico-legal examination.
Preserve biological samples.
Preserve vaginal/cervical/other relevant smears.
Preserve nail scrapings, hair samples, and other trace evidence.
Collect:
Medical Examination Report.
Injury Certificate.
Medical Certificate.
Discharge Summary.
Carefully note:
Struggle marks.
Abrasions.
Bite marks.
Nail injuries.
Other physical injuries.
Preservation of Clothing
Seize and preserve victim's clothing scientifically.
Pack and seal separately.
Forward to FSL without contamination.
DNA Evidence
Collect blood samples where necessary.
Obtain DNA profiling wherever required.
Ensure prompt forwarding of biological exhibits to FSL.
IV. Examination of Victim and Witnesses
Examine the victim in detail.
Record statements in the victim's own words.
Record statements in Telugu or any other language spoken by the witness.
If recorded in English, reasons shall be documented in the Case Diary and statements.
Mandatory Statement
The following statement shall be incorporated in Part-II Statements:
"I can identify the accused if they are shown to me."
Examine:
Eye witnesses.
Circumstantial witnesses.
Family members.
Persons acquainted with facts of the case.
V. Investigation of Motive and Circumstances
The IO shall ascertain circumstances such as:
Sexual assault.
Sexual exploitation.
Abuse of authority.
Domestic violence.
Sexual jealousy.
Inimical relationship.
Opportunity-based offences.
Outraging modesty.
Other related motives and circumstances.
VI. Scene of Crime Investigation
Visit the scene immediately.
Collect Geo-Location Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude).
Conduct detailed Scene Observation Panchanama.
Prepare Rough Sketch at the scene.
Undertake photography and videography.
Collection of Evidence
Collect and preserve:
Torn clothing.
Broken bangles.
Hair samples.
Blood stains.
Seminal stains.
Footprints.
Struggle marks.
Weapons or implements used.
Other physical evidence.
CCTV Evidence
Collect CCTV footage from:
Neighbourhood areas.
Community surveillance systems.
Public places.
Private establishments.
VII. Recording Statement under Section 164 CrPC/Applicable BNSS Provision
Arrange recording of the victim's statement before the Jurisdictional Magistrate at the earliest opportunity.
Ensure the statement is recorded voluntarily and without influence.
Preserve certified copies for investigation and prosecution.
VIII. Investigation of Accused
Identify and arrest the accused promptly in accordance with law.
Follow all legal safeguards relating to arrest.
Provide opportunity to the accused to explain his defence as part of fair investigation.
Collection of Evidence from Accused
Seize clothes of the accused.
Preserve clothing for forensic examination.
Arrange:
Medical examination.
Potency test wherever legally required.
Collect:
Blood samples.
DNA samples.
Other biological samples as required.
Obtain:
Photograph.
Fingerprints.
Identification details.
IX. Forensic Examination
Immediately forward seized exhibits to FSL.
Obtain:
FSL Report.
DNA Report.
Biological Examination Reports.
Expert Opinions.
Obtain final medical opinion after receipt of FSL findings.
X. Rehabilitation and Victim Assistance
Inform the victim regarding available legal rights and assistance.
Coordinate with welfare departments wherever required.
In appropriate cases:
Facilitate victim compensation.
Arrange rehabilitation support.
Coordinate with NGOs and support organizations.
Where applicable under law, forward reports to competent authorities for statutory relief and compensation.
XI. Court Proceedings
The Investigating Officer shall:
Seek judicial custody/remand of accused.
Oppose bail where warranted.
File applications for:
Remand extension.
Verification of sureties.
Test Identification Parade (TIP), wherever required.
Maintain coordination with the Public Prosecutor.
XII. Charge Sheet and Trial Management
Obtain:
Section 164 Statement.
Medical Reports.
FSL Reports.
DNA Reports.
Age Determination Certificate (if victim is a minor).
Potency Test Report (where applicable).
Write final Case Diary analyzing the evidence.
Prepare Draft Charge Sheet.
Obtain legal opinion from PP/APP.
File Charge Sheet within the stipulated period.
Trial Monitoring
The IO shall attend Court during examination of:
Victim.
Key witnesses.
Circumstantial witnesses.
Maintain liaison with the prosecution.
Ensure proper production of witnesses and evidence.
Responsibility of Investigating Officer
The Investigating Officer shall ensure:
Immediate medical aid to the victim.
Sensitive and respectful handling of the victim.
Scientific collection and preservation of evidence.
Prompt arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Effective coordination with medical, forensic, and prosecuting agencies.
Timely filing of Charge Sheet.
Support for rehabilitation and victim assistance.
Goal
To protect the dignity and rights of the victim, establish the truth through scientific and lawful investigation, secure conviction of the offender through strong evidence, and reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system.