Illustrative situation and records to prepare
Hypothetical example; not a reported case or a predicted outcome.
A phone is stolen and an online complaint reference is received. Keep the reference, incident chronology and available device records, then confirm whether an FIR was registered and how any signature step is completed. A submission receipt and an FIR number are different records.
Short answer
For information about a cognizable offence, section 173 BNSS permits oral or electronic communication to the officer in charge of a police station irrespective of where the offence occurred. Electronic information must be signed by the informant within three days to be taken on record.
Practical preparation
- Write a clear chronology: what happened, when, where, who was involved and what you personally observed. Identify uncertainty rather than guessing.
- Keep copies of relevant messages, transaction records, photographs and earlier complaints. Preserve original files.
- Use an official police channel and ask how to complete the signature requirement. Keep the acknowledgement and verify whether an FIR was registered; an online submission receipt alone should not be treated as proof of registration.
Scope and limits
This is a starting overview of section 173, not a complete account of preliminary inquiries, refusal remedies or special safeguards. State portal processes and the nature of the alleged offence require checking.