Legal Basis:
* IPC Section 406 (Criminal Breach of Trust) – Now BNS Section 336
* IPC Section 420 (Cheating) – Now BNS Section 318
* IPC Section 467-468 (Forgery) – Now BNS Section 225-227
* IPC Section 471-479 (Using Forged Documents)
* Punishment: 3-10 years depending on severity
* Category: Mostly cognizable
* Mandatory Forensic: YES (for complex cases)
INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST:
STEP 1: RECEIVE COMPLAINT (BNSS Section 173)
* Register FIR immediately
* Record exact details of fraud/forgery
* Record date and amount involved
* Record method of fraud
* Record victim’s financial loss
* Record documents allegedly forged
* Record names of accused persons
* Document how fraud discovered
STEP 2: GATHER INITIAL INFORMATION
* Obtain all documents involved
* Request bank statements
* Request transaction records
* Request original documents
* Request forged documents (if available)
* Take photographs of all documents
* Identify which document is genuine vs. forged
* Check signatures on documents
STEP 3: DOCUMENT COLLECTION & PRESERVATION
Collect original copies of:
* Original genuine documents
* Allegedly forged documents
* Contracts or agreements
* Signatures samples from accused
* Signatures samples from victim
* Bank statements
* Checks/drafts
* Email communications
* Text messages or whatsapp chats
STEP 4: ARREST SUSPECTS
When suspects identified:
* Arrest with warrant
* Take suspects to police station
* Collect handwriting samples from suspects
* Collect signature samples
* Take photograph of suspects
* Document personal details
STEP 5: HANDWRITING/SIGNATURE COMPARISON
* Collect multiple signature/handwriting samples from suspect
* Ask suspect to write same text multiple times
* Collect samples in presence of witness
* Video record the sample collection
* Document with date, time, witness names
* Preserve samples carefully
* Prepare for handwriting expert examination
STEP 6: FORENSIC DOCUMENT EXAMINATION (BNSS Section 176)
Submit to forensic expert:
* Provide original genuine document
* Provide allegedly forged document
* Request comparison of:
* Handwriting patterns
* Signature characteristics
* Ink used (age of document)
* Paper used
* Printing method
* Alterations or corrections
* Pressure marks
* Get detailed expert report
STEP 7: BANKING INVESTIGATION
If bank fraud involved:
* Get statements from banks involved
* Identify all transactions
* Trace beneficiary accounts
* Contact banks for account holder info
* Identify amounts transferred
* Prepare financial timeline
* Check for pattern of fraud
* Identify if others defrauded
STEP 8: WITNESS STATEMENTS (BNSS Section 180)
Record statements of:
* Victim/complainant
* Bank officials who processed transaction
* People who witnessed signing of documents
* Accountants or financial advisors
* Colleagues of victim
* Others defrauded (if any)
* Police who arrived at scene
STEP 9: QUESTION SUSPECTS
Record statement of suspects about:
* How documents were created
* Why forged documents created
* Who benefited from fraud
* How much money obtained
* What money used for
* If others involved
* Previous similar crimes
STEP 10: TRACE MONEY/BENEFITS
* Trace where money transferred
* Identify beneficiary account holders
* Check if money withdrawn in cash
* Check if money transferred to other accounts
* Identify if property purchased with money
* Identify if jewelry/goods purchased
* Trace flow of money step by step
* Identify if money laundered
STEP 11: EVIDENCE COLLECTION
Collect and seal:
* Original documents
* Forged documents
* Handwriting/signature samples
* Bank statements and records
* Correspondence (emails, letters, messages)
* Computer records
* Financial transaction records
* Photographs of documents
STEP 12: DIGITAL EVIDENCE (if applicable)
* Seize computers/laptops used to forge
* Examine hard drive for files
* Look for editing software (Photoshop, etc.)
* Check email accounts
* Check for communication with accomplices
* Check internet history
* Submit devices for forensic examination
STEP 13: INVESTIGATION DIARY (BNSS Section 192)
Maintain detailed record:
* Date/time of complaint
* All documents collected
* All statements recorded
* Handwriting samples collected
* Suspects arrested
* Forensic findings
* Financial trail discovered
* Timeline of fraud
STEP 14: CHARGESHEET (BNSS Section 193)
* Complete investigation
* Prepare detailed chargesheet
* Include all documents
* Include handwriting expert report
* Include financial evidence
* Include all witness statements
* Include suspect’s statement
* Submit within 60 days
TYPES OF FORGERY/FRAUD:
* Document Forgery: Fake signatures, altered documents
* Check Fraud: Forged checks
* Real Estate Fraud: Fake property deeds
* Bank Fraud: Forged bank documents
* Signature Forgery: Fake signatures on contracts
* Resume Fraud: Fake qualifications in resume
* Cyber Fraud: Online scams, phishing
CRITICAL PROCEDURES:
✓ Collect all documents carefully
✓ Take photographs of documents
✓ Get handwriting samples from suspect
✓ Use document forensics expert
✓ Trace all financial transactions
✓ Interview bank officials
✓ Seize all devices if digital fraud
✓ Maintain chain of custody
