When a cognizable offense is suspected, the following general procedure is typically followed:
- Information: The first step is to receive information about the alleged offense. This information can come from various sources such as victims, witnesses, or law enforcement agencies.
- Registration of FIR: If the information discloses a cognizable offense, the police will register a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR contains details of the offense, the date, time, location, and the names of the involved parties.
- Investigation: The police will initiate an investigation based on the information provided in the FIR. They will collect evidence, interview witnesses, examine the crime scene, and gather any other relevant information to establish the facts of the case.
- Arrest: If during the investigation, the police have sufficient evidence and reasonable grounds to believe that a particular person is involved in the offense, they may arrest the suspect. The arrest is made with the intention to prevent the suspect from fleeing, tampering with evidence, or influencing witnesses.
- Interrogation: Once the suspect is arrested, they may be interrogated to gather additional information and to verify their involvement in the offense. The interrogation should be conducted according to the legal provisions and rights of the suspect.
- Charge Sheet: After completing the investigation, the police will prepare a charge sheet, also known as a final report or a police report. The charge sheet contains a summary of the investigation, the evidence collected, and the names of the accused.
- Judicial Proceedings: The charge sheet is submitted to the relevant court, and the judicial proceedings begin. The court will examine the evidence and hear arguments from the prosecution and defense. If the court finds the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt, it may pass a judgment and impose a suitable punishment.
It’s important to note that the exact procedure may vary depending on the jurisdiction and legal system in place. Different countries may have different laws and processes for handling cognizable offenses.