Chandigarh: In a significant step to strengthen the fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes, Punjab Police has launched an e-Zero FIR mechanism to ensure swift legal action in cyber financial fraud cases involving fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹5 lakh.
The initiative, launched following a Standing Order issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, enables eligible complaints lodged through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 to be automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs and electronically forwarded through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) to the concerned Cyber Crime Police Station for immediate investigation.
Under the new framework, cyber fraud cases involving ₹1 crore or more will be transferred to the State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali for registration and investigation.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said the mechanism is designed to eliminate delays in FIR registration, allowing investigators to quickly freeze bank accounts, digital wallets, and other payment instruments used in cyber frauds while preserving crucial electronic evidence and coordinating with financial institutions to maximise recovery of stolen funds.
Victims will receive instant updates regarding the registration of their e-Zero FIR, the investigating officer assigned to the case, the concerned Cyber Crime Police Station, and the statutory procedures to be completed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Special DGP Cyber Crime V. Neeraja said the system strengthens coordination between the NCRP, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, CCTNS, banks, telecom service providers, financial institutions, intermediaries, and law enforcement agencies, enabling a faster and more effective response to cyber financial fraud.
She urged citizens to report cyber financial frauds immediately by calling 1930 or filing complaints through the NCRP portal, stressing that prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering lost money.
The State Cyber Crime Division will oversee the implementation of the e-Zero FIR mechanism across Punjab to ensure timely registration, seamless case transfer, and effective investigation of cyber financial fraud cases.
