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Quick answer: The NRI Affairs Wing of the Punjab Police is the nodal authority at the State level for monitoring and conducting inquiries and investigations in complaints pertaining to NRIs. A complaint can be filed online with the NRI Complaint Cell. From Adv. Benipal's practice, even when an online or emailed complaint goes through, the officials require a physical copy of the complaint signed by the complainant.
This page gives general information on Indian law and on the procedure of the Punjab Police NRI Affairs Wing. Procedures can change.
What is the NRI Affairs Wing of the Punjab Police?
The NRI Affairs Wing has been established in the Punjab Police to ensure fairness, transparency and quicker action in matters of NRIs. The NRI Wing deals with issues relating to NRIs where the NRI may be the complainant or an accused. Its functions include the registration of criminal cases relating to complaints submitted by NRIs and their investigation, and the transfer of inquiries and investigations relating to NRIs from district and commissionerate units to the NRI Wing.
In plain words: Punjab has a separate police wing for NRI matters. A complaint by an NRI, or a complaint against an NRI, can be dealt with there instead of only at the local police station.
How does an NRI file a police complaint in Punjab?
A complaint can be filed online with the NRI Complaint Cell. From Adv. Benipal's practice: the police officials do not always act on a complaint filed by email, so it is better to send the complaint by post as well, in case the online portals do not go through. Even when the email goes through, the officials require a physical copy of the complaint, signed, followed by the complainant appearing before the police officials for the investigation; the complainant may appear through a representative. Usually, once the online complaint goes through, the officer or the office concerned reaches out to the complainant to submit the signed physical copy.
In plain words: filing online is the start, not the whole process. Be ready to send a signed paper copy of the complaint, and to appear yourself or through a representative.
What happens after the complaint is filed?
From Adv. Benipal's practice: once the complaint has been filed and registered, the first step the officer takes is to get in touch with the complainant and ask for the signed physical copy of the complaint. The officer then collects evidence, summons the accused named in the complaint, verifies the allegations and investigates whether any cognizable offence is made out; if it is, an FIR is registered.
What if the complaint is against an NRI?
If a complaint is received against an NRI, he is duly informed about it. Serious efforts are made that the NRI should join the inquiry and investigation against him, as far as possible, and it is ensured that no ex-parte proceedings are taken against NRIs.
From Adv. Benipal's practice: an NRI is usually informed of a complaint against him through WhatsApp, or by a notice of appearance before the police officials sent to his local address in India as well as abroad, by post or email. If the police are not able to reach the NRI, the notice may be published in a local newspaper, stating that there is a complaint regarding him and directing him to appear before the police officials. Once the NRI receives the notice or the complaint, he should seek legal assistance right away, and should not appear directly before the police officials, as that may lead to his arrest.
In plain words: if someone in Punjab has complained about you, you may hear of it by WhatsApp, post, email or even a newspaper notice. Take legal advice before you respond or appear. See Criminal cases in India for NRIs living in the USA, Criminal cases in India for NRIs living in the United Kingdom and Criminal cases in India for NRIs living in Canada.
What if the police do not register an FIR?
If the officer in charge of a police station refuses to record information about a cognizable offence, Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 allows the person aggrieved to send the substance of the information, in writing and by post, to the Superintendent of Police concerned. Under Section 223 of the BNSS any person may file a complaint directly before a Judicial Magistrate, and under Section 175(3) of the BNSS the Magistrate can direct the police to investigate and register an FIR even where the police have refused to act. An advocate in India, authorised by the NRI, can appear before the Magistrate and present the complaint on the NRI's behalf.
In plain words: a complaint to the NRI Wing is not the only route. If the police do not act, the law provides a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police and, after that, a complaint before a Magistrate. See Filing a police complaint in India from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does an NRI file a police complaint in Punjab?
A complaint can be filed online with the NRI Complaint Cell of the Punjab Police NRI Affairs Wing. The officials also require a physical copy of the complaint signed by the complainant.
Is a complaint sent by email enough?
Not always. From Adv. Benipal's practice, the police officials do not always act on a complaint filed by email, and even when it goes through they require a signed physical copy, so it is better to send the complaint by post as well.
Can someone in Punjab file the complaint for me?
The NRI complaint format asks for the details of the power of attorney holder, including name, address, mobile number, e-mail id and relationship with the complainant.
What happens after my complaint is registered?
From Adv. Benipal's practice, the officer first asks the complainant for the signed physical copy, then collects evidence, summons the accused, verifies the allegations and registers an FIR if a cognizable offence is made out.
What happens if a complaint is made against me as an NRI?
The NRI Wing states that the NRI is duly informed, that efforts are made for him to join the inquiry and investigation, and that no ex-parte proceedings are taken against NRIs. From Adv. Benipal's practice, the notice may come by WhatsApp, post, email or a newspaper publication, and the NRI should seek legal assistance before appearing before the police.
What if the police do not register an FIR on my complaint?
Under Section 173(4) of the BNSS the person aggrieved may send the substance of the information in writing and by post to the Superintendent of Police concerned. A complaint may also be filed before a Judicial Magistrate under Section 223 of the BNSS.
About the Authors: Adv. Jaspreet Singh Benipal — Founder & Managing Partner, and Adv. Hashandeep Singh Sidhu — Partner, NRI Legal Consultants. Reviewed by Adv. Jaspreet Singh Benipal (3 November 2026).
Official sources: Department of NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab — NRI Wing page (nri.punjab.gov.in); Punjab Police — NRI Affairs Wing page; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Sections 173, 175 and 223; Adv. Benipal's written answers (26 October 2026).