FAQs | Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Arms Licence

1) How does one procure a new Arms License?
Answer: By submitting an application in form 'A' with Rs. 10/- Court fees stamp.

2) How much time it takes to get a new Arms License?
Answer: About 2 months after the application is submitted (provided all the documents are in order)

3) What is the procedure to procure a New Arms License?
Answer: The application form is available in the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate or can be downloaded from this site. Submit it with relevant documents to the office of the Police commissioner Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar. After that concerned Police station makes an enquiry and submits the report to the Zonal DCP in Commissionerate and SPs in districts. The applicants are then interviewed by the DCP or DM (as the case may be). Once convinced, the licensing authority (CP or DM) issues the license.

4) Which documents are needed for obtaining a new Arms License?
Answer:

1. Copy of Ration card
2. Election card
3. Last 3 year's I.T. Returns /chalan copy/assessment orders
4. Two character certificates from the responsible citizens from your locality
5. Physical fitness certificate
6. Proof of Educational Qualifications (self attested copies of certificates. Original should not be submitted along with application).
7. Proof of age (Birth Certificate/school leaving certificate)
8. supporting documents to justify the need for holding the arm for security or for sports etc.
9. Proof of address - Light Bill, Ration Card, Index-II, Property Tax Bill, Rent agreement.
10. If Businessman, he should submit Business Registration Certificate/Shop Act/Other document of Business information.

5) How an Arms license is renewed?
Answer: Licensee should fill-in the renewal form and affix Rs. 5/- Court fees stamp thereupon. The licensee should produce his weapon and license for inspection at the time of renewal and pay the renewal fees. Renewal will be done after inquiry from concerned police station and the necessary noting about renewal will be made in the license.

6) My license has expired three months back. What should I do?
Answer: Fill up the renewal from, produce the weapon for inspection along with the license. You have to pay late fee Rs.2000/-along with renewal fee and thereafter, the license will be renewed on satisfaction of the issuing authority about the delay.

7) My license has expired more than a year back, what should I do?
Answer: Produce the weapon for inspection before the licensing authority along with the renewal form. Submit your Explanation for the delay preferably with the documentary support for the same. You will be issued with a Show Cause Notice. Submit your reply within 15 days. The issue will be decided by the licensing authority on merits of the case, and the decision will be communicated to you by letter, through the concerned Police station. Also you have to pay late Fee along with regular renewal fee.

8) License holder was out of station and hence could not renew the license in time. What is the remedy?
Answer:

1. Deposit the weapon at the nearest Police station
2. Obtain receipt for the same
3. Fill up the renewal form as an agent of the license holder and submit the same.
4. When the license holder returns, direct him to the office of licensing authority for renewal of his arms license, as explained above.

9) How should I obtain a T.J.P. (Temporary Journey Permit)?
Answer:

1. Submit an application as per the format (TJP - Temporary Journey Permit) with Rs. 5/- Court Fees Stamp.
2. Attach a copy of the license.
3. Next day, pay a fee of Rs. 500/- for one weapon. If approved, your TJP will be issued on the next day.
4. TJP is only valid for 30 days and is subject to local restrictions imposed by the local authority

10) How do I get a license for property protection (Per-Pro Basis)?
Answer: License for property protection is granted on Per-Pro basis. The procedure is same as that of obtaining a new license.

11) My father/uncle/husband/ relative was a license holder. He expired and now the license or the weapon is in my possession. What should I do ?
Answer:

1. You have to deposit the weapon and the original license (with ammunition) for safe custody at the nearest police station. A safe custody receipt will be issued to you.
2. If you want to retain the weapon, submit your application for a new arms license in form A
3. Attach copy of death certificate with application.
4. The weapon can be kept in safe custody for one year. Charges for safe custody are Rs.50/- per year.
5. Procedure for issuing a new license is same as explained above.

12) My father/relative is old. He wishes to give me his weapon. What is the procedure?
Answer:

1. You have to deposit the weapon and the original license (with ammunition) for safe custody at the nearest police station. A safe custody receipt will be issued to you.
2. If you want to retain the weapon, submit your application for a new arms license in form A
3. Attach copy of death certificate with application.
4. The weapon can be kept in safe custody for one year. Charges for safe custody are Rs.50/- per year.
5. Procedure for issuing a new license is same as explained above.

13) My All India Arms License was issued in another State. I want it to be registered/renewed in Maharashtra. What should I do?
Answer:

1. Submit an application in prescribed form for re-registration to the licensing authority (C.P./D.M.).
2. Attach a copy of the arms license.
3. Attach residential proof.
4. NOC from the original licensing authority should also be attached. This NOC produced by the applicant is liable for a recheck from the concerned authorities directly.
5. A Police station report with remarks from the Zonal DCP/SP should also be attached. On receiving the NOC and remarks, decision shall be taken by the licensing authority about re-registration.

14) I want to make my license issued for one city, valid in the whole of Maharashtra. What is the procedure?
Answer:

1. Make an application, explaining the reasons for your request, on a plain paper with a stamp of Rs.5/- as court fees to the licensing authority.
2. Attach a copy of Arms license.
3. The application will be sent to the police station (having jurisdiction over the area of your place of residence) for enquiry.
4. On receipt of Police station report, you will be called for an interview.
5. The decision will be conveyed to you in writing through the Police station.

15) I want to make my license valid in the whole of India. What should I do?
Answer:

1.Submit an application (explaining the reasons) to the Government of Maharashtra, Pol-IX, Home Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai with a copy of the license.
2. The application will be sent to the Police station/Unit for an enquiry
3. On receipt of the report, you will be interviewed by the appropriate authority.
4. The Government of Maharashtra will take the decision on merits and you will be informed accordingly.

16) I want to sell my weapon. What is the procedure?
Answer:

1.Submit an application (on plain paper) with a stamp of Rs.500/- as court fees and attach a copy of your license.
2. Inform Arms and Ammunition Branch/DM with relevant documents.
3. If all documents are in order, sale permission will be issued.

FAQ - Passport/Visa

1) What is a Passport?
Answer: "Passport" is an official document, issued by a competent authority on behalf of a sovereign nation-state, certifying the holder's identity and nationality, and authorizing the holder to travel abroad.

2) Where is the passport application form available?
Answer: Passport application forms are available at Regional Passport Offices. They are also available at http://passport.nic.in

3) What are the fees for issuing a passport?
Answer:

1. Fresh Passport (36 pages) with a validity of 10 years: Rs. 1,000.
2. Fresh Passport (60 pages) with a validity of 10 years: Rs. 1,500.
3. Fresh Passport for Minors (Below 15 years of Age) with a validity of 5 years: Rs. 1,000.
4. Below 4 years: Rs. 900.
5. Between 4 years to 15 years: Rs. 1,000.

4) What is the procedure if the passport is lost?
Answer: A complaint should be lodged at the concerned local police station, and thereafter, an application for a new passport should be submitted.

5) How many days are required for police verification?
Answer: The verification procedure takes about 3 weeks from the receipt of the application.

6) What are the documents required to apply for a passport?
Answer:

Attach two copies of the following documents:
1. Applicant's Ration Card or any of the following documents:
a) Telephone Bill.
b) Electricity Bill.
c) Bank Account Passbook.
d) Election Card.
e) Letter from the Society on letterhead.
f) NOC from the department if the applicant is a Government servant.
2. Proof of date of birth: School leaving certificate / Birth certificate.
3. Citizenship documents (if the applicant is a citizen of India by registration or naturalization).
4. If the applicant has not resided at the present address for the last one year, an additional set of personal particulars form for each additional place of residence is required.
5. Color photographs (frontal view).
6. Two photographs are required for verification at the local police station.

7) What is the procedure if the applicant is a minor?
Answer:

Attach the following additional documents:
a) Affidavit by the legal guardian (if parents are not legal guardians).
b) Affidavit by two responsible persons who know the legal guardian as well as the minor.
c) Attested photocopy of the passport (if any) of both parents, incorporating their present marital status.

8) What is the procedure for change of name after marriage/divorce?
Answer:

a) A woman applying for the first time for a passport in her married name (husband's surname) or for change of name/surname in the existing passport on account of marriage should furnish:
i) A photocopy of the husband's passport (if issued to him).
ii) An attested copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages or an affidavit from the husband and wife along with a joint photograph.
b) Divorcees applying for change of name or deletion of spouse's name in the existing passport must furnish:
i) Divorce deed / Order of family court.
ii) Affidavit furnishing details about the divorce.
c) Re-married applicants applying for a change of name/spouse's name should furnish:
i) Divorce/death certificate (as applicable) in respect of the first spouse.
ii) Documents as per (a) above relating to the second marriage.

9) List of applicants entitled to Emigration Check Not Required (E.C.N.R.) stamp
Answer:

a) People going abroad in a managerial capacity and possessing specialized degrees in their respective fields.
b) All Gazetted Government servants.
c) All Income-Tax payers (including Agricultural Income-Tax Payees) in their individual capacity. IT assessment orders issued by the Income-Tax Dept. for the last three years must be submitted along with the application for a passport. If the assessment order is not issued, copies of the Income Tax Return stamped by the Income Tax authority can be accepted.
d) All professional degree holders, such as doctors (MBBS, Ayurveda, Homeopathy), accredited Journalists, Engineers, Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, Lecturers, Teachers, Scientists, Advocates, etc.
e) Spouses and dependent children up to the age of 24 years of categories (b) to (d).
f) All persons who have been staying abroad for more than 3 years.
g) Seamen who are in possession of CDC or C cadets.
h) All holders of Diplomatic/Official passports.
i) Dependent children of parents whose passports are classified as E.C.N.R., until they attain 24 years of age.
j) Persons holding permanent Immigrant Visas.
k) Persons holding Graduate or higher degrees.
l) Persons holding 3-year diplomas equivalent to degrees.
m) Nurses possessing qualifications recognized under the Indian Nursing Council Act-1947.
n) All persons above the age of 60 years.

10) What is a VISA?
Answer: VISA refers to an endorsement (writing or branding) on the passport, made by the competent authority of a nation-state, allowing entry to the passport holder into another country. VISA is necessary for entry into another country.

FAQ - FIR / NC

1) What is an F.I.R ?
Answer: F.I.R. means First Information Report, as per section 173 of BNSS. made to police, about commission of a cognizable offence, In effect, it amounts to putting law in to motion by giving information relating to the commission of a cognizable offence to an officer in charge of a police station, (which shall be reduced into writing and read over to the informant) and shall be signed by the person giving such information. It is mandatory to give a copy of the first information report (as recorded by police) to the complainant or informant free of cost.

2) How do I lodge F.I.R.?
Answer: The informant/ complainant should go to the police station having jurisdiction over the area (where the offence is committed) and report to officer in-charge/ station house officer about commission of a cognizable offence. In case information is given on telephone, the informant / complainant should subsequently go to the police station for registration of F.I.R.

3) What is a cognizable case or What is cognizable offence ?
Answer: A cognizable case means a case in which a police officer may, in accordance with the First Schedule of BNSS (2023) or under any other law for the time being in force, arrest without warrant.

4) What is the meaning of the term taking cognizance?
Answer: The term taking cognizance has not been defined in Code of Criminal Procedure. When any Magistrate takes cognizance under section BNSS 210 (1) (a) he must not only have applied his mind to the contents of the petition, but he must have done so for the purpose of proceeding in a particular way as per procedure prescribed in the BNSS., and there after sending the complaint for further enquiry. A magistrate can also order investigations under section BNSS 175(3).

5) What is a Non cognizable offence ?
Answer: Non cognizable offence means in which a police officer has no authority to investigate the matter and arrest without warrant.

6) How do I lodge a NC complaint ?
Answer: Information about such offences is to be given in a similar manner as explained under F.I.R.. The officer in-charge would reduce the complaint in writing (about commission of Non cognizable offence) and give a copy thereof to the complainant free of cost. No police officer can investigate a non-cognizable case unless he obtains prior permission of a Magistrate having power to try such case.

7) What is meant by a complaint ?
Answer: Complaint means any allegation made orally or in writing to a Magistrate, with a view to his taking action under the BNSS 2023 that some person (whether known or unknown), has committed an offence.

8) What is meant by public place ?
Answer: Public place includes (and means) the foreshore, the precincts of every public building or monument, and all place accessible to the public for drawing water, washing or bathing or for the purpose of recreation. { M.P.Act 1951, sec 2(13) }

FAQ - Prohibitory Orders

1) What is meant by Prohibitory Orders?
Answer: Prohibitory Orders refer to orders issued by competent authorities prohibiting certain activities under various Acts, such as Section 36 and 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, and Section 163 of the B.N.S.S.

2) What are the powers granted under Section 36 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951?
Answer: Section 36 empowers the Commissioner, Superintendent, and other authorized officers to give directions to the public regarding processions, public gatherings, music control, public safety, and order maintenance in public places.

3) What does Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 state?
Answer: Section 37 allows the Commissioner or District Magistrate to prohibit certain activities for maintaining public peace and safety. These include carrying weapons, explosives, or corrosive substances, and organizing unauthorized public demonstrations or processions.

4) What is the validity period of Prohibitory Orders issued under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951?
Answer: Prohibitory Orders issued under Section 37 are valid for a period of 15 days at a time and may be renewed by the competent issuing authorities as needed.

5) What powers are granted under Section 163 of the B.N.S.S.?
Answer: Section 163 grants District Magistrates, Sub-divisional Magistrates, or any specially empowered Executive Magistrate the authority to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or danger to public safety, health, or tranquility.

6) For how long does an order under Section 163 of B.N.S.S. remain in force?
Answer: An order under Section 163 remains in force for a maximum of two months unless extended by the State Government for up to six months to prevent risks to public safety.

7) What is the penalty for contravention of Prohibitory Orders under Section 36 and 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951?
Answer: Penal actions for violating prohibitory orders under Sections 36 and 37 are provided under Sections 134 and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.

8) What is the penalty for violating Prohibitory Orders under Section 163 of B.N.S.S.?
Answer: Penal actions for contravening prohibitory orders under Section 163 of B.N.S.S. are prescribed under Section 223 of B.N.S.S.

9) Can an order under Section 163 of B.N.S.S. be modified or revoked?
Answer: Yes, a Magistrate or the State Government may rescind or alter an order under Section 163 upon receiving an application from an aggrieved person or on their own motion.

10) What is the procedure to challenge an order issued under Section 163 of B.N.S.S.?
Answer: An affected individual can apply for modification or revocation of the order before the issuing Magistrate or State Government. If rejected, the authority must provide written reasons for its decision.

FAQ - Arrest - Bail

1) What is 'Arrest'?
Answer: As per Ballentine's Law Dictionary 1948 Ed.P.105, arrest means the taking, seizing, or detaining of the person of another, either by touching, or putting hands on him, or by any act which indicates an intention to take him into custody, and subjects the person arrested to the actual control and will of the person making the arrest.

Chapter V and section 35 to 60 of BNSS, deals with Arrest of Persons.

As per section 35 B.N.S.S, any police officer may, without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant, arrest any person

(a) who has been concerned in any cognizable offence, or a reasonable complaint has been made, or credible information has been received or a reasonable suspicion exists; or

(b) who has in his possession of any implement of house breaking; or

(d) in whose possession anything is found which may reasonably be suspected to be stolen property; or

(e) who obstructs a police officer while in the execution of his duty, or who has escaped, or attempts to escape, from lawful custody;

(f) reasonably suspected of being a deserter from any of the Armed Forces.

As per Section 35 B.N.S.S,- Notice of appearance before police officer. (1) The police officer may, in all cases where the arrest of a person is not required under the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 35, issue a notice directing the person against whom a reasonable complaint has been made, or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed a cognizable offence, to appear before him or at such other place as may be specified in the notice. (2) Where such a notice is issued to any person, it shall be the duty of that person to comply with the terms of the notice. (3) Where such person complies and continues to comply with the notice, he shall not be arrested in respect of the offence referred to in the notice unless, for reasons to be recorded, the police officer is of the opinion that he ought to be arrested. (4) Where such person, at any time, fails to comply with the terms of the notice, it shall be lawful for the police officer to arrest him for the offence mentioned in the notice, subject to such orders as may have been passed in this behalf by a competent Court.

Hon’ble Supreme court gives directions for arrest of accused As per section 39 of B.N.S.S,, any person who, in the presence of a police officer, has committed or has been accused of committing a non-cognizable offence, refuses on demand of such officer to give his name and residence, can be arrested.

2) What is meant by 'Bailable / Non-bailable offences'?
Answer: 1. Under the B.N.S.S. 2023 (First Schedule), offences have been classified as ‘bailable’ and ‘non-bailable’ offences.
2. In the case of bailable offences, it is binding upon the court to grant bail. However, in the case of a non-bailable offence, the police cannot grant bail, and bail can only be granted by a Judicial Magistrate or Judge.
3. In case of bailable offences, if the accused produces proper surety and fulfills other conditions, it is binding upon the Court to grant bail.
4. In the case of a non-bailable offence, the Investigating Officer must produce the accused before the Judicial Magistrate or Judge concerned within 24 hours of arrest. The accused then has the right to apply for bail.

FAQ - Loudspeaker

1) Do I need permission for using loudspeakers?
Answer: Yes. You should obtain permission from the concerned C.P./ S.P./ District Magistrate for sound amplification under rules made under Section 33 of the B.P. Act, 1951. Such permission is required to be taken for private/public functions held in private/public places.

2) Do I need a license for a public show of cinema?
Answer: Yes. You have to obtain a temporary performance license from the concerned licensing authority (C.P./D.M.).

3) Do I need a license/permission for dramatic, mimetic, or musical performances?
Answer: Yes. You have to obtain a temporary performance/premises license from the concerned licensing authority (C.P./D.M.).

4) Do I need to take permission for organizing a morcha, dharna, public meeting, or rally?
Answer: Yes. You need to take permission for taking out a morcha, dharna, or organizing public meetings or rallies from the concerned Commissioner of Police or District Magistrate.

A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls.

FAQ - Externment

1) What is meant by externment?
Answer: As per Section 55 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, if the movement or encampment of any gang or body of persons is causing or is calculated to cause danger or alarm or reasonable suspicion that unlawful designs are entertained by such gang, or by members thereof, then such gangs/bodies of persons can be dispersed and ordered to remove themselves outside the area. This process is called externment of gangs, and Sub-Divisional Magistrates in Districts and DCsP in Commissionerates are empowered to pass such orders. Similarly, Section 56 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, empowers the above-named authorities to extern persons engaged in or about to be engaged in offences punishable under Chapters XII, XVI, and XVII of the IPC. (For details, please refer to Sections 55-56 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951).

2) What is preventive detention?
Answer: When the executive officers charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order/public order in their jurisdictions have reasons to believe that the activities or movements of a person are detrimental or prejudicial to maintaining public tranquility and the smooth flow of life, such authorities (C.P./D.M.) may authorize and order such a person to be detained under the various preventive detention laws.

3) What are the executive powers (of CP/DM & other empowered officials) to prohibit certain acts for the prevention of disorder?
Answer: The Commissioner of Police and the District Magistrate in areas under their respective charges may issue orders in writing under Section 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, for prohibiting any assembly or procession whenever and for as long as they consider such prohibition necessary for the preservation of public order. Such written orders can also be issued for prohibiting the carrying of arms, swords, spears, guns, knives, sticks, or lathis, or any other article capable of being used for causing physical violence.

FAQ - Noise Pollution

1) What is Noise Pollution?
Answer: Noise pollution means the disturbance produced in the environment by undesirable sounds of various kinds.

2) What are the ill-effects of noise pollution?
Answer:

Noise as nuisance and health hazard to human beings and other living things
Hearing loss
Interference with communication
Disturbance of sleep
Annoyance
Adverse effect on performance
Physiological effects
Accentuated effects on urban children, sick & elderly people under recuperation.

3) Restrictions / limits of noise level:

Area Code	Category of Area/Zone	Limits in dB(A) Leq*
(A)	Industrial Area	75 (Day) / 70 (Night)
(B)	Commercial Area	65 (Day) / 55 (Night)
(C)	Residential Area	55 (Day) / 45 (Night)
(D)	Silence Zone	50 (Day) / 40 (Night)

Note: - 1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. 3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The silence zones are zones, which are declared as such by the competent authority. 4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four-abovementioned categories by the competent authority.

FAQ's - Hotel Branch

1) Is a Police licence required for Hotels, Restaurant, eating House, Tea Stall, Juice Center etc?
Answer: No (License is not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015).

2) From where the Registration Certificate is issued?
Answer: License is not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015.

3) What is the fee for obtaining a Registration Certificate?
Answer: Registration charges are not required because the licenses are not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015.

4) Is it necessary to obtain a FL3 licence from the excise Department first and then from Police?
Answer: Police License is not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015.

5) What kind of license are given to Hotels from Police Department?
Answer: Orchestra, D. J. Music, Ghazals, etc. A space license grants permission for the entertainment program.

6) Where is the Police Licence available?
Answer:

i) Police Licenses are issued from the office of the Police Commissioner.
ii) Orchestra, D. J. Music, Ghazals, etc. A space license grants permission for the entertainment program.

7) What kind of a license is required for a permit room?
Answer: Police License is not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015.

8) What kind of License is issued for a guest-house/lodge?
Answer: Police License is not required by the government order dated December 22, 2015.

9) What is FL-III and FL-IV and how is it obtained?
Answer: FL-III and FL-IV licences are issued by the excise Department.

ONLINE FRAUD COMPLAINT 1930 CYBER HELPLINE

1) Check list for Complainant:- Please keep this information ready before filing your complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or Dial 1930
Answer: Mandatory Information

1. Incident Date and Time.
2. Incident details (minimum 200 characters) without any special characters (#$@^*`’’~|!).
3. Soft copy of any national Id (Voter Id, Driving license, Passport, PAN Card, Aadhar Card) of complainant in .jpeg, .jpg, .png format (file size should not be more than 5 MB).
4. In case of financial fraud, please keep following information ready:
- i) Name of the Bank/ Wallet/Merchant
- ii) 12-digit Transaction id/UTR No.
- iii) Date of transaction
- iv) Fraud amount
5. Soft copy of all the relevant evidence related to the cybercrime (not more than 10 MB each).

Optional/Desirable Information :

1. Suspected website URLs/ Social Media handles (wherever applicable)
2. Suspect Details (if available):
- i) Mobile No
- ii) Email id
- iii)Bank Account No
- iv) Address
- v) Soft copy of photograph of suspect in .jpeg, .jpg, .png format (not more than 5 MB)
- vi) Any other document through which suspect can be identified.

2) What is the purpose of National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?
Answer: This portal is an initiative of Government of India to facilitate victims/ complainants to report cyber crime complaints online. This portal caters all types of cyber crime complaints including complaints pertaining to online Child Pornography (CP), Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content and other cyber crimes such as mobile crimes, online and social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes and online cyber trafficking.The portal also provides an option of reporting an anonymous complaint for reporting online Child Pornography (CP) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (RGR) content.

3) What is CSAM?
Answer: Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM) refers to material containing sexual image in any form, of a child who is abused or sexually exploited. Section 67 (B) of IT Act states that “it is punishable for publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form”. Apart from this portal, are there any alternative ways to remove objectionable content from social media websites? Yes, most of the social media website like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram etc. have the option of reporting or flagging the objectionable contents. The social media platforms may take appropriate action based on the contents reported to them as per their content policy.

4) Which type of cybercrimes can I report on the portal?
Answer: There are two options for reporting cybercrimes on the portal: Report Crime related to Women/ Child – Under this section, you can report complaints pertaining to online Child Pornography (CP), Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content. Report Other Cybercrimes – Under this option, you can report complaints pertaining to cybercrimes such as mobile crimes, online and social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes and online cyber trafficking.

5) What kind of information should I provide to report a complaint?
Answer: There are two options for filing a report on www.cybercrime.gov.in: (i) Report Crime related to Women/ Child and (ii) Report Other Cybercrimes. In case of “Report Crime related to Women/ Child”, there are two ways of registering your complaint: Report Anonymously - You can report crimes related to online Child Pornography/ Rape or Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content anonymously. You do not need to provide any personal information. However, information related to the complaint should be accurate and complete for the police authorities to take necessary action. Report and Track – Under this option, fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are mandatory. It is important that the police authorities receive accurate and complete information related to the complaint. Therefore, you should provide required information such as your name, phone number, email address, details of the complaint and necessary information supporting the complaint. Initially, register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint. You can use “Report Other Cybercrimes” option available on the portal to report other cybercrimes such as mobile crimes, online and social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes and online cyber trafficking. You are required to register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint by selecting appropriate category and sub- category.

6) Which State/ UT shall I select while reporting a complaint?
Answer: In case of filing a complaint under “Report Crime related to Women/ Child” section by using “Report Anonymously” option, the victims’ location/ State/ UT where the incident has happened should be selected. If it is a report pertaining to website hosting Child Pornography/ Rape or Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content, complainant may select his/her current State/ UT of resident. As a responsible citizen kindly use “Report and Track” option for reporting the crime, since it would help the Law enforcement agencies to contact you for providing further details.

7) How can I file complaints about other cybercrimes?
Answer: In case of other cybercrimes, you can opt for “Report Other Cybercrimes” section. You are required to register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once you successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint by selecting appropriate category and sub- category. Under this section, fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are mandatory. It is important that the police authorities receive accurate and complete information related to the complaint. Therefore, you should provide required information such as your name, phone number, email address, details of the complaint and necessary information supporting the complaint.

8) What type of information would be considered as evidence while filing my complaint related to cybercrime?
Answer: It is important to keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include:

Credit card receipt
Bank statement
Envelope (if received a letter or item through mail or courier)
Brochure/Pamphlet
Online money transfer receipt
Copy of email
URL of webpage
Chat transcripts
Suspect mobile number screenshot
Videos
Images
Any other kind of document

9) What action will be taken if a complainant reports any false complaint/information?
Answer: Providing false information could make complainant liable to penal action as per the BNS.

10) Can I file a complaint if I have been victimized online/ in cyberspace by an individual or company in India, but I am not a citizen of India?
Answer: Yes, you can register a complaint on the portal by selecting an appropriate section and option of reporting a complaint pertaining to cybercrime: Report Crime related to Women/ Child – Under this section, you can report complaints pertaining to online Child Pornography (CP), Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content. There are options to register complaint under this section: Report Anonymously - You can report crimes related to online Child Pornography/ Rape or Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content anonymously. You do not need to provide any personal information. However, information related to the complaint should be accurate and complete for the police authorities to take necessary action. Report and Track – Under this option, kindly register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once you successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint. Report Other Cybercrimes – Under this section, you can report complaints pertaining to cybercrimes such as mobile crimes, online and social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes and online cyber trafficking. You are required to register yourself using your name and valid Indian mobile number. You will receive One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once you successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint.

Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police