Report Crime Online in West Bengal

Emergency: If there is immediate danger, violence, threat to life or an offence in progress, contact police immediately. The West Bengal Police CCTNS portal currently lists Police Control Room 100, Women Helpline 1091 and Child Helpline 1098. For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 promptly.

Important distinction: Sending information through an online portal, tip form or grievance service does not automatically mean that an FIR has been registered. FIR registration depends on whether the information discloses a cognizable offence and on the statutory procedure under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Current law: Section 173 BNSS, 2023

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the corresponding criminal-procedure framework for current cases from 1 July 2024. Section 173 governs information relating to cognizable offences.

Electronic reporting is recognised: Information relating to a cognizable offence may be given orally or by electronic communication to the officer in charge of a police station, irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. Information given electronically is to be signed by the informant within three days.

Zero FIR principle: Information about a cognizable offence can be given irrespective of the place where the offence occurred.
Electronic communication: Section 173 expressly recognises electronic reporting, subject to the statutory signing requirement.
Free copy: Section 173(2) provides for a copy of the recorded information to be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant or victim.
Further remedy: If the officer in charge refuses to record the information, Section 173 provides further statutory remedies.

Read Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - India Code

How to report a crime in West Bengal

For emergencies, contact police immediately Do not rely only on an online form where urgent police intervention is required.

Prepare complete facts Note the date, time, place, sequence of events, names or descriptions of persons involved, witnesses and any available documents, photographs, CCTV, video, messages or other electronic evidence.

Report the cognizable offence to a police station Under Section 173 BNSS, information about a cognizable offence may be given regardless of territorial jurisdiction.

If sending information electronically, complete the signature requirement Electronic information must be signed by the informant within three days for it to be taken on record under Section 173(1).

Keep the acknowledgement or FIR details Preserve the complaint reference, FIR number, date and police station details for follow-up, FIR search and copy requests.

West Bengal Police online citizen services

West Bengal Police operates the CCTNS Citizen Portal through the State Crime Records Bureau. The portal provides a range of citizen services and information services.

Citizen Login

Open Citizen Portal

FIR Search / View

Search available FIR information using district, police station, FIR date, FIR number and OTP verification.

Search FIR

Request FIR Copy

The portal lists "Request for FIR Copy" as a citizen service available after login.

Request FIR Copy

Other CCTNS Information

The portal also lists services concerning missing persons, missing property, vehicle information and current arrests.

View Citizen Services

How to report cybercrime and online financial fraud

For cyber offences, use the Government of India National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. For online financial fraud, prompt reporting is especially important because rapid action may help banks and law-enforcement agencies attempt to stop or trace fraudulent transfers.

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
Financial cyber fraud helpline: 1930
Keep transaction IDs, bank details, screenshots, phone numbers, URLs, emails and chat records.
Do not delete suspicious messages or payment evidence until preserved for the complaint.

Report Cyber Crime

Online incident report is not automatically an FIR

Older West Bengal CID web pages used "Report an Incident" or similar terminology. Such reporting facilities are useful for passing information to police, but it is inaccurate to state that merely submitting a web form automatically registers an FIR.

The correct legal question is whether the information discloses a cognizable offence and whether it has been recorded in accordance with Section 173 BNSS. If an FIR is registered, keep the FIR number, date and police station details.

False or fabricated information

Submit only accurate information. The West Bengal Police CCTNS portal expressly warns that legal steps may be taken for false or fabricated information. Depending on the facts, false information may also attract liability under applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file an FIR electronically in West Bengal?

Section 173 BNSS recognises information given by electronic communication for a cognizable offence, but the information must be signed by the informant within three days for it to be taken on record.

Does an online complaint automatically become an FIR?

No. A web complaint, grievance or information submission does not automatically become an FIR. FIR registration depends on the nature of the information and compliance with Section 173 BNSS.

Can I report a crime even if it happened outside the local police station area?

Yes. Section 173 states that information relating to a cognizable offence may be given irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. Jurisdiction can be dealt with subsequently.

Where can I report cyber fraud?

Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 as quickly as possible.

Can I request an FIR copy online?

The West Bengal Police CCTNS Citizen Portal lists "Request for FIR Copy" as a login-based citizen service. Section 173(2) BNSS also provides for a free copy of the recorded information to the informant or victim.

Disclaimer: This page is for general information and guidance and is not an official West Bengal Police, CID West Bengal or Government of India website. It is not legal advice. Police portals, contact numbers and procedures may change. Verify important information through the linked official police and government websites before acting.