One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr. X, a 22-year-old from City A, received disturbing phone calls from someone claiming to be from Area B Police Station. The caller first contacted him on DD/MM/YYYY, then made two more attempts three days later. When Mr. X answered the first call, the person identified himself as police personnel and claimed they were investigating a rape case involving one Ms. Y, stating that Mr. X’s phone number was mentioned in connection with the case. The caller demanded personal information and created fear in Mr. X’s mind. Upon verification with the actual police station, it was discovered that no such case existed, and the calls were fraudulent attempts to either extort money or create harassment.

Advice in Such Cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

• Never provide personal information to unknown callers claiming police authority over phone
• Always verify the caller’s identity by directly contacting the police station they claim to represent
• Record all such calls if possible and maintain detailed logs of communication

Applicable Sections of Law

Such fraudulent activities fall under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 318 of BNS deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Section 351 covers criminal intimidation, while Section 356 addresses defamation. Section 419 covers cheating by personation, which directly applies when someone impersonates police officials. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Section 173 allows for registration of complaints against such fraudulent activities, and Section 35 provides for investigation procedures.

If You Are the Complainant

• File an immediate complaint with your nearest police station against the fraudulent callers
• Provide call details, phone numbers, and exact conversation transcripts to the police
• Request the investigating officer to verify your phone records and call data
• Demand action against the perpetrators under relevant sections of BNS for impersonation and intimidation
• Seek anticipatory bail if you suspect false cases might be registered against you

If You Are the Victim

• Do not panic or provide any personal information to unknown callers claiming police authority
• Immediately contact the police station the caller claims to represent and verify the information
• File a complaint about harassment and impersonation at your local police station
• Block the caller’s number and avoid taking further calls from unknown numbers
• Consult with a criminal lawyer to understand your legal rights and protection options

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Genuine police investigations follow proper protocols. Real police officers always provide their identification, badge numbers, and station details. They issue official summons or notices rather than making threatening phone calls. Legitimate investigations involve formal procedures with proper documentation. Police do not demand money over phone calls or create unnecessary panic. When police contact suspects or witnesses, they follow due process as prescribed under BNSS.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can police call without formal notice? Police may call for preliminary inquiries, but serious cases require formal notices. Should I be afraid of such calls? No, verify the caller’s identity first before responding to any claims. What if they mention my number in a case? Phone numbers can be misused; demand proper documentation and verification. Can fake police calls lead to real cases? Fraudulent callers cannot register genuine cases, but they may attempt to create complications through false complaints.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Call recordings of the fraudulent conversations with timestamps
• Call detail records showing incoming call numbers and duration
• Screenshots of caller ID information and phone logs
• Written complaint detailing exact conversations and threats made
• Witness statements from family members who may have overheard conversations
• Technical evidence showing caller’s location if available through telecom operators
• Verification letters from actual police station confirming no such investigation exists

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Investigation of fraudulent police impersonation cases typically takes 2-3 months depending on complexity. Police need to trace call origins, verify technical details, and identify perpetrators. Simple cases involving local phone numbers may be resolved faster, while cases involving multiple jurisdictions or sophisticated fraud techniques may take longer. Cooperation from telecom operators and availability of technical evidence significantly impacts investigation timelines.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India