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What to Do If You Are Physically Assaulted or In Danger? Know the Police Process in India
Important information on What to Do If You Are Physically Assaulted or in Danger? Know the Police Process in India
1. What Happens When You Call the Police
2. What is an MLC and Why It Matters
3. Police Arrest Procedure After an MLC
4. Emergency SOS on Your Phone
5. Final Note: Don’t Be Afraid to Call
What Happens When You Call the Police
If you are physically assaulted or feel you are in serious danger, your first step should be to call the police immediately. Dial 112 — this is India’s national emergency number, for your benefit so do not shy away or be afraid to call.
Many people hesitate, but you should know that calling the police is treated as an official complaint. This means your call is recorded and registered in their log as a legitimate emergency response.
The police are legally obligated to respond to such calls. Officers will be dispatched to your location to protect you and restore law and order at the scene, and they will begin an initial investigation and assess your condition.
What is an MLC and Why It Matters
If the police determine that physical assault has occurred, they will take you to the nearest government hospital for a Medico-Legal Case (MLC) examination.
An MLC report is a medical assessment that legally documents the nature and extent of your injuries. It is conducted by a registered government doctor and becomes part of the official police case file.
The hospital will provide two copies — one for the victim and one for the police. This report is essential for presenting evidence in court.
Police Arrest Procedure After an MLC
Based on the findings of the MLC and the facts gathered on site, the police may decide that an arrest is legally justified. In such cases:
- The accused will be arrested and taken into police custody, and the local police station.
- They will be kept in the lockup until presented before a magistrate.
- If required, the accused may be sent to judicial custody.
This process is handled under the Indian Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), ensuring your rights and legal procedures are protected.
Emergency SOS on Your Phone
Most modern smartphones, including Android and iOS devices, come with a built-in Emergency SOS feature. In India, this feature is linked to dialing 112, the national emergency helpline that connects you to the police, ambulance, or fire services.
If you are in a situation where calling manually isn’t possible — for example, if you’re being physically assaulted — pressing the power button rapidly three (or five) times can automatically trigger an emergency call, depending on your phone’s settings.
In situations where you can’t speak or dial manually, most smartphones offer an Emergency SOS feature. This allows you to alert the police by pressing the power button multiple times.
How to Use It:
- Android: Go to Settings → Safety & emergency → Emergency SOS. Enable it to dial 112 when the power button is pressed rapidly.
- iPhone: Press the side button five times quickly (or side + volume together). A countdown will begin and then call emergency services.
Once activated:
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The phone dials the police automatically.
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Your location may be shared with emergency contacts if configured.
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In some phones, it can even record a short video or audio clip during the emergency.
Legal Protection:
Using this feature is your legal right and is meant to ensure prompt help in emergencies. You do not need to fear calling the police — the law is on your side, and the police are duty-bound to respond to emergency calls promptly and respectfully. Also the police will not be angry with you for calling them.
This is a powerful tool, know about it and share this information with your near and dear ones — use it if and when in danger. The law supports your right to seek help. The police are duty bound to respond to assist you respectfully, and they will, there are no ifs and buts about it.
All this if for your benefit and safety, and the police are here to serve you and not for you to be afraid of, so do not hesitate to use this feature as and when you feel the situation requires it. The police will intervene in the situation and keep you safe, and also take you for medical treatment if required.
Final Note: Don’t Be Afraid to Call
The police are there to protect you. Calling 112 does not get you into trouble — it gets you out of it. Whether you’re a victim of domestic violence, street assault, or any other threat, calling the police is your legal right and advised for your safety whether you are man or woman, senior citizen.
Stay calm, follow the process, and trust the system. India’s legal and medical systems are structured to help you — use them without fear.