File Case From Your Place: Telangana Police New System

Hyderabad:The newly initiated citizen-centric policing which allows victims of sensitive crimes to register complaints without stepping into a police station is expected to significantly improve reporting and protect survivor privacy, senior IPS officer Charu Sinha said on Tuesday.

Talking with the Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday, Additional DGP (CID) Charu Sinha explained that this mechanism gives victims complete discretion in choosing how and where they want to lodge a complaint. “If a victim is uncomfortable visiting a police station, the police can reach out discreetly. There is no compulsion and privacy will not be compromised,” she said, addressing fears that police presence at a victim’s residence could reveal their identity to neighbours or bystanders.

Charu Sinha also explained that officers would follow strict protocols during such outreach, ensuring minimal visibility and avoiding any action that could expose the complainant. “The idea is to reduce fear and hesitation, not add to it. The choice always rests with the victim,” she said.

The victims can either give a landmark to meet in person and the process of case registration can be done and this process will include officials from the law and order, a woman constable and if Pocso or rape cases, there will be SHE Team personnel too, all to provide necessary support from lodging the complaint. The victim need not visit the police station now and then but the CID will monitor.

Charu Sinha said the initiative was designed to make reporting less intimidating, particularly for women, children and survivors of sexual or domestic violence, who often delay or avoid approaching police stations due to stigma, trauma, or safety concerns. By removing physical and psychological barriers, the system aims to encourage early reporting, which is critical for effective investigation and evidence preservation.

Acknowledging that the move could lead to a rise in the number of complaints, the Additional DGP said this should be viewed as a positive indicator rather than a challenge. “An increase in complaints means people are beginning to trust the system and the state with its best infrastructure for its citizens. It reflects the state’s intent to prioritise safety and access to justice,” she noted.

Data shared by the police shows that total crimes against women declined from 2,257 cases in 2024 to 2,042 cases in 2025, a decrease of 9.53 per cent. Murders of women marginally dropped from 53 to 52 cases, while rape cases declined sharply from 395 in 2024 to 292 in 2025, marking a 26.08 per cent reduction. Cases under the hurt category also fell from 391 to 338, a decrease of 13.55 per cent.

Other BNS offences, which form a significant portion of cases, reduced from 1,365 in 2024 to 1,313 in 2025. Incidents booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act declined from 52 to 43 cases. However, marginal increases were recorded in arson cases, which rose from zero in 2024 to two in 2025.

The senior officer added all the numbers related to cases against women and children, offences affecting the human body, offences under special acts, Pocso Act, SC/ST Act, Prohibition of Child Protection Act and Telangana Prohibition of Ragging Act will go up.

Streamlining it with law and order police stations and all complaints received by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) would be closely monitored to ensure accountability and timely action. Through the Zero FIR mechanism, cases can be registered immediately and transferred to the appropriate police station or unit having jurisdiction, without procedural delays, said the officer where the SP and CP will be respectively incharge.

The initiative, she said, reinforces the principle that policing must adapt to citizens’ needs rather than expect victims to navigate rigid systems. “Our focus is on responsiveness, sensitivity and dignity. If people feel safe coming forward, the justice process becomes stronger,” she said.