🚨 e‑Zero FIR: India’s New Weapon Against High‑Value Cyber Fraud

 

Introduction
In a bold move to improve the handling of major online scams, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Home Ministry has introduced the e‑Zero FIR system. Aimed at frauds involving over ₹10 lakh (~$12 k), this automated process promises to revolutionize cybercrime response in metro cities, starting with Delhi and soon expanding to Kolkata, Mumbai, and beyond cybercrime.gov.in

What is e‑Zero FIR?

• Auto-registration of FIRs: Complaints reported via the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in portal involving losses ≥ ₹10 lakh are instantly converted into a Zero FIR—no manual vetting required.

• Automated case routing: The system instantly forwards FIRs to the relevant cybercrime police station through integration with the NCRP, Delhi Police e‑FIR system, and NCRB’s CCTNS.

• Time-bound follow-up: Victims have a 3-day window to visit their local cybercrime unit and convert the e‑Zero FIR into a regular FIR for formal investigation.

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Why it matters

1. Faster response: Cyber fraud moves fast—often within the critical "golden hour," the first 60 minutes post-fraud, when blocking transactions and tracking money trails is most effective 

2. Cross-jurisdictional handling: Zero FIRs can be lodged anywhere, removing bureaucratic delays caused by state boundaries 

3. Swift investigative action: Piloting in Delhi has already led to arrests—for instance, a perpetrator implicated in a ₹13 lakh job scam was arrested under this system 

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Phased rollout

• Initial pilot: Began in Delhi in May 2025.

• Next wave: Training for Kolkata Police is underway; Mumbai and other metros to follow in Phase 2 

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Expert commentary & concerns

• Optimistic view: Authorities laud the move for streamlining FIR lodgment and investigation in high-value cases.

• Operational challenges:

  • The ₹10 lakh threshold may exclude many victims—experts highlight that even smaller frauds can devastate low-income earners 

  • Jurisdiction issues persist: While FIRs can be lodged anywhere, actual investigation relies on local police coordination—a problem that isn’t fully resolved yet .

  • Victims must still physically visit police stations; experts suggest adding video-based verification to ease access 

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What every citizen should do

1. Report major frauds immediately via 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

2. Note your auto-generated FIR number.

3. Visit your local cybercrime cell within 3 days to validate the FIR.

4. Preserve evidence: bank statements, transaction IDs, app screenshots, chat logs help investigations.

5. Spread awareness: warn friends/family, especially seniors, about fake apps, phishing calls, and job/email scams 

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Conclusion

The e‑Zero FIR marks a pivotal upgrade in India’s cybercrime framework, aiming for speed, efficiency, and cross-border consistency in tackling financial scams above ₹10 lakh. While promising, true success depends on comprehensive implementation, lowering thresholds, strengthening state-level coordination, and ensuring victim convenience. As the system expands into cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, continuous monitoring and public cooperation will be key to making India truly cyber‑secure.

reff:- timesofindia.indiatimes

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