Thiruvananthapuram: Citizens in Kerala can now access copies of First Information Reports (FIRs) without visiting police stations, thanks to a new facility launched by Kerala Police. The service is available through the official Pol App and also through the Kerala Police website and the Thuna web portal.
The system allows users to download FIRs of all registered cases, with exceptions in cases of sexual assault, where the law prohibits disclosure of women’s and children’s identities, and in matters related to sedition. This step is seen as part of the state’s broader digital governance initiatives, aimed at making police services more transparent and citizen-friendly.
To access the feature, users must first install the Pol App and complete registration using their mobile number. By selecting the “FIR download” option, they can search by entering the FIR number, year of registration, police district, and police station name. For those who do not have the FIR number, a date range can be entered to generate a list of cases registered during that period, from which the relevant FIR can be chosen and downloaded.
Each downloaded FIR carries a QR code, which can be scanned to verify its authenticity. Authorities believe this initiative will significantly reduce the need for physical visits to police stations, saving time for both citizens and officers, while also promoting accountability within the system.