Bengaluru: Karnataka is exploring the use of agentic artificial intelligence to help people file FIRs remotely in urgent situations. The proposed system
could allow citizens to register a zero FIR or e-FIR without immediately visiting a police station, according to Home, IT and e-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge.
The plan is still at an early stage and the government has not finalised the technology interface that citizens would use. Kharge said discussions are underway with technology companies including Anthropic and Sarvam as Karnataka looks at wider use of AI in policing.
How Karnataka’s AI FIR system could work
Kharge said, “We are looking at agentic AI that citizens can use in situations when they may not immediately know what to do.”
He gave examples such as hit-and-run cases and thefts, where a person may need to report the incident quickly.
Kharge said, “For example, when there is a hit-and-run case or a theft, the citizen can use agentic AI to register a zero FIR, or an e-FIR. Subsequently, the complainant will have 24-48 hours to visit a police station for further procedures.”
A zero FIR can be registered irrespective of where the crime took place and later transferred to the police station with jurisdiction over the case.
Technology interface still being discussed
The Karnataka government is yet to decide how people will access the proposed AI system. It could involve a digital platform or another technology interface, but no final format has been announced.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to use AI in policing and citizen services. Discussions with Anthropic and Sarvam indicate that the state is examining how such systems could work in real-world situations.
False complaints remain a concern
The government is also looking at possible misuse.
Kharge said the administration is aware that a remote filing system could receive false complaints. Safeguards and verification will therefore form part of the discussions before any rollout.
The proposed system could reduce the first delay in reporting crimes. The plan is still under discussion, and Karnataka has not announced a launch date.
