The Magistrate, on receiving a report under section 176, may direct an investigation, or, if he thinks fit, at once proceed, or depute any Magistrate subordinate to him to proceed, to hold a preliminary inquiry into, or otherwise to dispose of, the case in the manner provided in this Sanhita.
CHAPTER XIII INFORMATION TO THE POLICE AND THEIR POWERS TO INVESTIGATE
Section 178: Power to hold investigation or preliminary inquiry
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Corresponding CrPC provision
As given in the correspondence table of the National Crime Records Bureau (Ministry of Home Affairs). Read both texts before relying on it. NCRB table