In a decisive move to enhance India’s cybercrime response, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot version of the e-Zero FIR system, a technology-led initiative designed to accelerate the registration and investigation of large-scale cyber financial frauds. The new system aims to eliminate jurisdictional delays and improve complaint-to-FIR conversion rates for victims of online scams.
Automatic FIR Registration for Financial Fraud Complaints Above ₹10 Lakh
The e-Zero FIR initiative, launched through the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), will initially apply to complaints submitted via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the helpline 1930 in Delhi. When a cyber financial crime complaint crosses the ₹10 lakh threshold, the system will automatically generate a Zero FIR through the designated e-Crime Police Station in Delhi. This FIR will then be transferred to the appropriate local cybercrime police station for further investigation.
Complainants will be notified and given three days to verify and complete the FIR process at the nearest jurisdictional police station. This mechanism significantly reduces dependency on manual filing and offers faster routing of high-priority complaints.
System Integration with National Crime Platforms
The initiative brings together three major platforms for seamless data flow and case processing: the NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR system, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) operated by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Together, they enable real-time complaint registration, case assignment, and status updates. The system leverages newly enacted provisions under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), marking a technological leap in Indian law enforcement.
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The pilot is expected to serve as a blueprint for a nationwide rollout, with future versions likely to lower the monetary threshold and expand to different cybercrime categories.
A Foundation for a Cyber-Secure Bharat
This move is aligned with India’s broader strategy to build a Cyber-Secure Bharat. With rising instances of sophisticated scams involving remote access, fake investment platforms, and identity theft, victims often find themselves navigating a slow and fragmented complaint redressal process. The e-Zero FIR system is designed to close those gaps.
By eliminating the need for physical presence at a police station to initiate action and facilitating immediate electronic case registration, the system ensures quicker recovery mechanisms and strengthens deterrents for cybercriminals. Law enforcement agencies anticipate that this will lead to improved prosecution rates and quicker restitution of lost funds.
As cybercrime becomes more complex, India’s transition to smart law enforcement tools such as the e-Zero FIR system signals a larger shift toward digital policing and governance reform. The success of this pilot in Delhi will shape the rollout timeline across other states and union territories in the months to come.
