In a significant move to combat cyber financial crimes, the Rajasthan Police has introduced automatic registration of e-Zero FIRs for cases of cyber fraud involving Rs 1 lakh or more. This new system, effective statewide as of Thursday, follows directives from the Director General of Police, Rajiv Kumaar Sharma, who has issued detailed guidelines to all Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners for immediate implementation. The initiative aims to expedite legal actions, freeze defrauded funds promptly, and accelerate the investigation and apprehension of cyber criminals.
The decision to lower the threshold from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 lakh for the e-FIR system in cyber financial fraud cases is in line with directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This adjustment is expected to provide legal protection to a larger number of victims. Additional Director General V.K. Singh highlighted that the integration of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, the 1930 Cyber Helpline, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems under the new system will streamline the process.
Under the revised system, complaints of cyber fraud amounting to Rs 1 lakh or more will trigger the automatic generation of an e-Zero FIR at the relevant state cyber police station upon registration through the portal or helpline. Police officers are now empowered to take legal action without waiting for the physical signature of the complainant. Immediate measures upon FIR registration include freezing of bank accounts, halting fraudulent transactions, and gathering digital evidence like call detail records and CCTV footage to prevent fund withdrawals by cyber criminals.
Victims are encouraged to report cyber fraud promptly by contacting the 1930 Cyber Helpline to enhance the chances of recovering lost funds. The revised procedure mandates the complainant to visit the police station within 72 hours of e-Zero FIR registration to sign the printed copy. Failure to appear within the stipulated period will result in a notice being issued, although the police will continue investigations and legal proceedings without delay.
