Gujarat has launched an e-Zero FIR system for cyber financial fraud cases to streamline legal processes for victims. This system enables victims to report crimes without physically visiting a police station, aiming to expedite investigations and minimize financial losses. The ‘Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR’ service was officially inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in Gandhinagar.
The new mechanism allows complaints made through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, to automatically trigger an e-Zero FIR. Subsequently, this FIR is electronically forwarded to the relevant police station for further action. This initiative, in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to reduce delays in the initial stages of cybercrime probes.
During the launch event, Sanghavi emphasized the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient and transparent policing. He highlighted that the e-Zero FIR system empowers victims to report cyber fraud from their homes, facilitating timely interventions to potentially prevent financial losses. Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik has instructed field units to handle such complaints diligently and ensure swift justice for complainants through effective implementation of the new system.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bipin Ahire, overseeing the Cyber Centre of Excellence, noted that the e-Zero FIR process was developed in coordination with I4C. Complaints related to cyber financial fraud reported via the 1930 helpline will automatically generate a Zero FIR, which will then be routed to the relevant police station. Police officers will promptly engage with complainants, gather essential details, follow legal protocols to register the FIR, and initiate investigations promptly.
State officials highlighted the successful implementation of the new system through the first registered case. An Ahmedabad resident, targeted in a cyber fraud case involving a “digital arrest,” filed the state’s inaugural e-FIR. Prompt action by the Cyber Crime Department based on this complaint prevented a loss exceeding Rs 15.76 lakh. The launch event witnessed the presence of Principal Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sanjeev Kumar, DGP G. S. Malik, and senior officers from the Cyber Crime Cell.
