Overview of Online Police Services in Bihar

The Bihar Police, under its modernization efforts, has introduced various online services to enhance citizen convenience and improve transparency. The primary platform for these services is the **Citizen Services Portal** (often integrated with the Bihar Police website or a dedicated portal under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project).

These online services aim to:

• Simplify Reporting: Provide an easier way for citizens to report crimes and lost articles without necessarily visiting a police station for initial reporting.
• Improve Accessibility: Allow citizens to file reports from anywhere at any time.
• Enhance Transparency: Offer tracking mechanisms for reported cases.
• Reduce Burden: Help police stations manage routine reports more efficiently.

Understanding FIR and Lost Article Report

1. First Information Report (FIR) -

• What it is: An FIR is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offense. It is the very first step in the criminal justice process and is crucial for initiating a police investigation.
• Cognizable Offense: These are serious crimes (e.g., murder, rape, theft, assault) for which the police can arrest a person without a warrant and start an investigation without the permission of a court.
• Legal Weight: Filing an FIR is a legal right of every citizen. Once an FIR is registered, the police are obligated to investigate the matter.
• Online FIR in Bihar: For certain types of cognizable offenses, Bihar Police allows online FIR registration. However, for serious offenses, physical presence at the police station might still be preferred or required for detailed statements and verification.
• Example Cases: Theft (of significant value where investigation is required), grievous hurt, fraud where deep investigation is needed.

2. Lost Article Report (LAR) / Lost Property Report -

• What it is: A Lost Article Report (often referred to as a Lost Property Report) is filed when an individual loses an article that does not involve any suspicion of crime (e.g., no theft, no pickpocketing, just misplacement). This report is primarily for documentation purposes.
• Purpose:
  • To obtain a copy of the report for claiming insurance for the lost item.
  • To facilitate the re-issuance of lost documents (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, passport, mobile phone, educational certificates).
  • It helps prevent misuse of the lost article/document, as the report serves as proof that the owner has reported the loss.
• No Investigation: Unlike an FIR, the police do not usually conduct an investigation based on a Lost Article Report, as no crime is alleged.
• Online Process: Lost Article Reports are almost entirely online and designed for quick and easy filing.
• Example Cases: Lost mobile phone, lost wallet (without cash/valuables stolen, just misplaced), lost documents (Aadhaar, PAN, driving license).

Bihar Police Online Citizen Portal & Services

The Bihar Police's online services are typically accessed through the main police website or a dedicated citizen portal linked from it. The interface is usually available in both English and Hindi.

Official Portals:

• Bihar Police Official Website: https://biharpolice.bih.in/ (Look for "Citizen Services" or "Public Services" section)
• Citizen Services Portal (Often CCTNS based): While a direct universal link might vary due to updates, services are commonly found under the main police website's citizen section, or through state-level e-governance portals. For Bihar, services are usually directly accessed via the main police site or linked from it.

Key Online Services Available:

• Register FIR (Online FIR)
• Register Lost Article Report
• Track FIR Status
• Track Lost Article Report Status
• View FIR
• Search Missing Persons
• Verify Employee/Tenant/Domestic Help
• Character Certificate Request
• Protest/Strike/Event Request
• View Most Wanted Criminals

How to File an Online FIR with Bihar Police

Please note that online FIR filing in Bihar might be limited to specific types of cognizable offenses (e.g., minor thefts, cybercrimes) and may require an initial registration on the portal. For serious crimes, it is always advisable to visit the nearest police station immediately.

General Steps for Online FIR (if available for your case):

1. Visit the Bihar Police Citizen Portal: Go to biharpolice.bih.in and look for "Citizen Services" or "Online FIR".
2. Register/Login:
   • If you are a new user, you will likely need to register by providing your name, mobile number, email ID, and creating a password. You may also need to verify your mobile number with an OTP.
   • If already registered, simply log in with your credentials.
3. Select "Register FIR": After logging in, choose the option to register a new FIR.
4. Fill in Complaint Details:
   • Complainant Details: Your name, address, contact information, Aadhaar number (optional but helpful).
   • Incident Details: Date, time, and place of incident, a brief but clear description of the crime committed.
   • Accused Details (if known): Name, description, if any.
   • Witness Details (if any): Name and contact.
   • Nature of Offense: Select from a dropdown list (e.g., minor theft, cybercrime category).
5. Upload Documents (if any): Attach supporting documents like photos, videos, screenshots, or any relevant evidence.
6. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you have entered. Once satisfied, click "Submit."
7. Receive Acknowledgment: Upon successful submission, you will receive an FIR registration number or an acknowledgment number. This number is crucial for tracking the status of your FIR.
8. Verification/Investigation: The police may contact you for further details or to verify the information provided. The FIR will then be formally registered, and investigation will commence as per legal procedures.

How to File a Lost Article Report Online with Bihar Police

This is a much simpler and more direct online process compared to FIRs.

Step-by-Step Guide for Lost Article Report:

1. Visit the Bihar Police Citizen Portal: Go to biharpolice.bih.in.
2. Look for "Lost Article Report" / " ": This option is usually prominently displayed under Citizen Services. Click on it.
3. Register/Login (if required): Some systems may require a quick registration or direct login, while others might allow direct filing without prior registration.
4. Fill in Applicant Details:
   • Your Name, Father's Name, Gender, Full Address, Mobile Number, Email ID.
5. Fill in Lost Article Details:
   • Type of Article Lost: Mobile, Wallet, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, Educational Certificate, etc.
   • Description of Article: Provide specific details (e.g., mobile brand, model, IMEI number; wallet color, contents; document number).
   • Date and Time of Loss: Exact or approximate.
   • Place of Loss: Exact location where the article was lost.
6. Enter Details of Finding (if found later): Some forms may have a section for "Found Details" if you are reporting that a previously lost item has been found.
7. Review and Submit: Check all entered information carefully.
8. Generate/Download Report:
   • Upon submission, the system will instantly generate a Lost Article Report.
   • You can usually download, save, or print this report immediately. It will have a unique reference ID.

This generated report serves as your official proof of having reported the loss and is accepted by various agencies for re-issuance of documents or insurance claims.

Checking Status of FIR & Lost Article Report

Once you have filed an online FIR or a Lost Article Report, you can track its status online.

How to Track Status:

1. Visit the Bihar Police Citizen Portal: biharpolice.bih.in
2. Look for "Track Application Status" / "FIR Status" / "Lost Article Status": Click on the relevant link under Citizen Services.
3. Enter Reference/FIR Number: Provide the unique number you received when you filed the report.
4. Enter Security Code (Captcha): Complete the verification.
5. View Status: The system will display the current status of your report or FIR, indicating if it's under review, processed, or if further action is required.

Important Considerations & Helplines

• Truthfulness: Always provide accurate and truthful information. Filing a false FIR or report is a serious offense.
• Cognizable vs. Non-Cognizable Offenses: For non-cognizable offenses (less serious crimes like defamation, simple assault, etc., where police cannot arrest without a warrant), you typically file a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) at the police station, or you may need to approach a magistrate. Online FIR systems are generally for cognizable offenses.
• Evidence: Keep all relevant evidence (photos, messages, documents) ready to support your FIR.
• Confirmation: Even after filing online, for critical matters, it's advisable to confirm with the concerned police station if the online report has been fully processed or if they require your physical presence.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Police Control Room (All India): 112
  • Bihar Police Helpline: 100 (old), 112 (new integrated emergency number)
  • Cyber Crime Helpline (All India): 1930 or file online at cybercrime.gov.in
• Official Source: Always rely on the official Bihar Police website for information and services.