Karnataka Police | Updated November 2026

Karnataka Police FIR Online: How to File a Complaint and Report Crime

A practical guide to Karnataka Police online services, electronic information about cognizable offences, lost-document reporting, Zero FIR, complaint acknowledgements and obtaining an FIR copy under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Important distinction: Submitting a complaint or an e-Lost report does not necessarily mean that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered. For a cognizable offence, follow the procedure under Section 173 of the BNSS and confirm the FIR number with the police.

Where to report a crime or file a complaint in Karnataka

Start with the Karnataka State Police official website or the Ministry of Home Affairs Digital Police portal, which links to State Police citizen services. Available online functions may vary by district, police unit and type of complaint.

The National Portal of India listing for the Karnataka Police Citizen Centric Portal is another government directory for finding citizen-facing police services.

Emergency: Call 112 for immediate police assistance. For financial cyber fraud, promptly call 1930 and report through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Do not wait for an online complaint acknowledgement in an emergency.

Steps to submit a complaint to Karnataka Police online

Open the Karnataka Police website and locate the current citizen services or online complaint link.
Select the service that matches the incident. A general complaint, lost-article report and information about a cognizable offence may use different procedures.
If prompted, register or sign in through the government authentication service using the options currently displayed. Earlier portals used Karnataka SSO/ePramaan; the current login flow may differ.
Enter your contact details, incident location, date, time, clear factual account and the relevant police station if requested.
Attach supporting documents or evidence where permitted. Keep original documents and do not upload unnecessary sensitive personal data.
Submit the information and save the acknowledgement or reference number. Check any instructions about verification or appearing before the police.
If the information discloses a cognizable offence, follow up regarding registration under Section 173 BNSS and obtain the FIR number and copy.

The exact screen labels and fields depend on the live government service. These steps are guidance, not a guarantee that every type of FIR can be completed entirely online.

How to report lost documents or articles online

Karnataka Police has provided an e-Lost reporting facility for missing articles and documents. The previously used KSP e-Lost service link and Karnataka SSO registration link are retained as references from the original guide; their present availability and authentication steps should be checked on the official police website before use.

Find the e-Lost or lost-article reporting service through the official Karnataka Police portal.
Sign in or complete the registration process if required.
Describe the missing document or item accurately, including the approximate place and date of loss.
Submit the report and preserve the acknowledgement for your records.

Lost is different from stolen: If you suspect theft, robbery, cheating or another cognizable offence, do not describe the event merely as an accidental loss. Report the facts to the police and request action under the applicable criminal procedure.

Legal provisions governing FIR registration in Karnataka

Section 173(1) BNSS - Information about cognizable offences

A cognizable offence is an offence for which a police officer may arrest without warrant in accordance with the applicable law. Section 173(1) permits information about such an offence to be given orally or through electronic communication to the officer in charge of a police station, irrespective of where the offence occurred. Oral information is reduced to writing and signed. Electronic information must be signed within three days for the statutory recording process.

Zero FIR - Reporting outside the local jurisdiction

Under Section 173(1), information concerning a cognizable offence can be given irrespective of the territorial area in which the offence occurred. This supports the practice commonly called Zero FIR; territorial jurisdiction alone should not prevent receipt of such information.

Section 173(2) BNSS - Free copy of recorded information

The informant or victim is entitled to a copy of the information recorded under Section 173(1), furnished promptly and free of cost.

Section 173(3) BNSS - Limited preliminary enquiry

For specified cognizable offences punishable with imprisonment of three years or more but less than seven years, the officer in charge may, with prior permission of an officer not below Deputy Superintendent of Police rank and after considering the nature and gravity of the offence, conduct a preliminary enquiry within fourteen days to determine whether a prima facie case exists, or proceed with investigation.

Section 173(4) BNSS - Remedy when information is not recorded

A person aggrieved by refusal to record information under Section 173(1) may send the substance of the information in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned. If the statutory conditions are met, the person may approach the Magistrate through the procedure provided by law.

For the official legislative framework, consult the India Code legislative database and the Bureau of Police Research and Development guidance on BNSS.

What if Karnataka Police do not register an FIR?

Preserve your written complaint, submission receipt and supporting records. Where the facts disclose a cognizable offence, request action under Section 173 BNSS. If the officer in charge refuses to record the information, use the remedy under Section 173(4), including a written representation to the Superintendent of Police. Further judicial remedies depend on the facts and statutory requirements.

How to obtain an FIR copy or check complaint status

Keep the police station name, complaint acknowledgement, FIR number (if issued) and year. Use the relevant Karnataka Police citizen service to check status or request a copy, subject to the portal's authentication and disclosure rules. A complaint tracking number should not be confused with an FIR number.

See also the website's Karnataka Police FIR status and copy guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register an FIR online in Karnataka?

Information about a cognizable offence may be submitted electronically under Section 173 BNSS, but the statutory signature requirement and police recording procedure still apply. An online complaint submission alone does not prove that an FIR has been registered.

Is an e-Lost report the same as an FIR?

No. A lost-article acknowledgement records a report of loss. If the facts disclose a cognizable offence, the FIR process is separate and must be followed.

Can I report a crime at a police station outside its jurisdiction?

Yes. Section 173(1) permits information about a cognizable offence irrespective of where it occurred, supporting Zero FIR.

Do I have to pay for an FIR copy?

Section 173(2) requires that a copy of the recorded information be given to the informant or victim promptly and free of cost.

What should I do about online financial fraud?

Immediately call 1930 and report the incident at cybercrime.gov.in. Also follow any directions from the police or your bank.

Information updated 3 November 2026. This article provides general legal information. Government service interfaces and administrative procedures may change.