Andhra Pradesh Police Online Complaint & FIR Guide
Use this guide to understand how to submit an online police complaint in Andhra Pradesh, when information may lead to registration of an FIR, and the current legal position under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
Current law for FIR information: Section 173 BNSS
Section 173 of the BNSS governs information relating to cognizable offences. Information 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.
Where information is sent by electronic communication, it is taken on record on being signed by the informant within three days, as provided by Section 173(1)(ii).
The BNSS came into force on 1 July 2024. Therefore, older references to Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 should not be used as the principal current provision for new incidents governed by the BNSS.
Read the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 on India Code.
How to submit an online complaint to Andhra Pradesh Police
- Open AP Police Citizen Services. Use the current citizen-services portal rather than old bookmarked login or JSP pages.
- Choose the available complaint/petition service. Service names and login screens can change, so follow the options displayed on the official portal.
- Register or sign in if required. Provide a working mobile number and the identity/contact information requested by the portal.
- Describe the incident clearly. State what happened, where and when it happened, who was involved if known, and any loss, injury or threat.
- Upload supporting material where permitted. Useful material can include photographs, documents, transaction details, screenshots or other relevant records.
- Review before submission. Make sure names, dates, mobile numbers, locations and incident details are accurate.
- Save the acknowledgement/reference number. Keep it for follow-up or status tracking.
- Complete any legally required signature/formality. If information concerning a cognizable offence is provided electronically, Section 173(1)(ii) BNSS requires the informant's signature within three days for the information to be taken on record.
What information should you keep ready?
- Your name, address, mobile number and other contact details requested by the portal.
- Date, approximate time and place of the incident.
- A concise chronological description of what happened.
- Names or identifying details of the persons involved, if known.
- Details of property, money, vehicle, device or documents involved.
- Supporting documents, photographs, screenshots, transaction records or other evidence, where relevant.
Cybercrime and online financial fraud
For cybercrime, use the Government of India's National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. For cyber financial fraud, immediate reporting is especially important; the national cybercrime helpline is 1930.
Online complaint vs FIR
Do not rely only on the label used by a web form. If the facts disclose a serious cognizable offence, there is danger to life or safety, or urgent police intervention is needed, contact the police station or emergency service directly.
If the offence occurred outside your local police-station area
Section 173(1) BNSS states that information relating to a cognizable offence may be given to the officer in charge of a police station irrespective of the area where the offence was committed. This statutory wording supports the commonly described "Zero FIR" approach for territorial-jurisdiction situations.
Useful official links
Frequently asked questions
Can I file an Andhra Pradesh Police complaint online?
Citizen services are available through the AP Police online portal. The precise services and login workflow shown by the official portal should be followed because portal interfaces can change.
Does submitting an online complaint automatically create an FIR?
No. An online complaint/petition should not be described as automatically becoming an FIR. FIR registration depends on whether the information relates to a cognizable offence and whether the statutory procedure has been completed.
Can information about a cognizable offence be sent electronically?
Yes. Section 173(1) BNSS permits information relating to a cognizable offence to be given by electronic communication. Under Section 173(1)(ii), it is taken on record on being signed by the person giving it within three days.
What number should I call in an emergency?
Call the national emergency response number 112.
Where should I report cyber financial fraud?
Report it promptly through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and call 1930 for cyber financial fraud assistance.
Disclaimer: This page is an informational guide and is not an official Andhra Pradesh Police website. Portal features can change. Always follow the instructions displayed on the relevant government website and seek professional legal advice where necessary.