INVC NEWS
New Delhi — : Cybercrime enforcement in India has entered a powerful new phase with the launch of an automated e-Zero FIR system for financial cyber frauds exceeding ₹10 lakh. The Union Home Ministry, under the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah, has unveiled this initiative as a pilot project in Delhi, aiming to fast-track investigations and increase conviction rates in high-value cybercrime cases.
e-Zero FIR System Launched by Amit Shah
In a major announcement made via social platform X, Amit Shah revealed that the e-Zero FIR framework is now operational in Delhi. The new system will automatically convert cyber fraud complaints filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the emergency helpline 1930 into official FIRs — without requiring victims to physically visit a police station.
Initially, this system will apply only to frauds exceeding ₹10 lakh, with plans to expand the threshold and reach nationwide once the pilot phase proves effective.
Part of India’s Broader Cyber-Security Vision
This initiative is a key part of the Modi government’s mission to create a cyber-safe India. Under the umbrella of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C), this system seeks to identify and apprehend cybercriminals faster than ever before.
According to Shah, this is an important milestone in modernizing cybercrime response infrastructure, giving law enforcement the tools needed to act quickly in cases involving substantial financial fraud.
What Is e-Zero FIR and How Does It Help?
The term Zero FIR refers to the ability to lodge a police complaint at any police station in India, regardless of jurisdiction. With the e-Zero FIR system:
Victims of cyber fraud above ₹10 lakh can file a complaint online or via helpline.
The system automatically generates an FIR through an integrated digital platform.
Within 3 days, the Zero FIR must be converted into a regular FIR at the appropriate cybercrime police station.
This ensures swift legal action and improves the overall efficiency of case tracking and resolution.
How the Automated Cybercrime FIR System Works
The backend infrastructure powering this innovation is a collaboration between:
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C)
Delhi Police e-FIR System
CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems) maintained by NCRB
Once a complaint is received via NCRP or 1930, it is:
Routed to the Delhi e-Crime Police Station
Transferred to the appropriate local cybercrime unit based on geolocation and case specifics
Processed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Sections 173(1) and 1(ii)
This seamless, automated pipeline ensures that high-value cyber fraud complaints do not fall through the cracks and receive immediate legal attention.
Why This Move Is a Game Changer
Cybercrime, especially financial fraud, has become increasingly sophisticated. Victims often find themselves entangled in long procedural delays and jurisdictional red tape. With the e-Zero FIR system, the Home Ministry aims to eliminate those delays and:
Accelerate investigations
Enhance inter-state coordination
Improve conviction rates
Deter large-scale financial cybercrime
It’s a proactive approach designed to strengthen India’s cybercrime deterrence ecosystem.
Future Rollout Plans for Nationwide Expansion
Although this system is currently operational only in Delhi, the Union Home Ministry has confirmed plans to roll it out nationwide after the pilot phase. The success metrics will be monitored, and based on performance indicators like response time, recovery rate, and conviction success, the expansion timeline will be finalized.
States have been advised to prepare their cyber cells and law enforcement infrastructure for eventual integration into this national network.
Public Participation and Awareness Campaigns to Follow
To ensure maximum reach and impact, the government plans to launch public awareness drives across social media, print, and digital platforms. Citizens will be educated about:
How to file complaints on NCRP
When to call 1930
Steps to verify and track FIR status
Precautions to avoid cyber fraud
This citizen-centric approach is expected to foster greater trust in law enforcement and encourage more victims to come forward without hesitation.
