Step-by-step: how to report a crime and what to expect.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112 (Police Emergency) or 181 (Mithra Helpline). Leave the location if it is safe to do so. Seek help from a trusted person, NGO, or Sakhi One Stop Centre.
You can go to any police station — you have the right to a Zero FIR. Ask to speak to the SHO (Station House Officer) or a female officer if you prefer. You do not need a lawyer to file an FIR.
Give a written or oral statement. The officer will write it and read it back to you — you must sign only when you agree it is accurate. Demand a free copy of the FIR — this is your legal right. Note the FIR number.
For sexual assault cases, a medical examination should be conducted at a government hospital. This preserves evidence. You have the right to have a female doctor and a support person present.
Contact KELSA (15100) for free legal representation. Legal aid is your right, not charity. A lawyer can help you navigate courts, understand charges, and protect your rights throughout the process.