When someone is arrested: what to note and bring

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Facts to note straight away

• ☐ Full name of the person arrested and the exact time and place of arrest.
• ☐ The police station or unit involved (thana, DB, CID, RAB or other) and the names or identification of the officers, who are required to disclose their identity.
• ☐ Where the person has been taken and when they are expected to be produced before the Magistrate, which must be within 24 hours of arrest.
• ☐ The case or GD number, FIR date and the sections of law mentioned.
• ☐ Whether the arrest was under a warrant, in a named case, or on suspicion without a warrant.

Documents to ask for

• ☐ A copy or photograph of the arrest memo, which the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act 2026 requires police to prepare and have attested by a family member or local witness.
• ☐ A copy of the FIR or complaint, if available, or at least its number and date.
• ☐ A copy of any warrant shown.
• ☐ The seizure list, if anything was taken, signed by witnesses.

Rights to ask about

• ☐ The chance for the arrested person to contact a relative and consult a lawyer, which the amended law requires; a family member or friend must be told as soon as practicable and no later than 24 hours after arrest.
• ☐ A medical examination if the person is injured or unwell, and medical checks before and after any police remand.
• ☐ Being told the grounds of arrest.
• ☐ Whether the offence is bailable (bail is a right on proper sureties) or non-bailable (bail is at the court’s discretion, not barred).

Papers to bring for the lawyer and bail hearing

• ☐ NID, birth certificate or passport of the arrested person.
• ☐ Proof of address and of family and work ties, such as utility bills, employer letter or student ID.
• ☐ Medical records and prescriptions, especially for chronic illness, old age or pregnancy.
• ☐ Any documents showing the person’s side of the dispute, such as agreements, messages or earlier GDs.
• ☐ Details of any earlier cases, bail orders or court dates involving the person.

Surety details

• ☐ One or more sureties known to the family, usually local residents of good standing.
• ☐ Surety’s NID and photographs.
• ☐ Proof of the surety’s address and, where the court asks, of means or property.
• ☐ The surety must understand they are responsible for the accused attending court.

Contacts

• ☐ The lawyer’s name and phone number, written down in case phones are taken.
• ☐ A family contact who can attend the Magistrate’s court.
• ☐ The government legal aid helpline 16430 if the family cannot afford a lawyer.

What not to do

• ☐ Do not pay money to anyone promising release or a lighter case; ask for proper receipts for any official fee.
• ☐ Do not let the arrested person sign statements they have not read or do not understand.
• ☐ Do not contact, threaten or pressure the complainant or witnesses.
• ☐ Do not share case details or accusations on social media.
• ☐ Do not destroy or alter phones, documents or other possible evidence.

Related services and guides

• Arrest, Bail & Remand
• Guide: First 24 hours after an arrest
• FIR, Complaint Case & GD
• Urgent Legal Help