Chandigarh, Punjab Police has operationalised an e-Zero FIR mechanism to accelerate investigations into cyber-financial frauds involving transactions exceeding ₹5 lakh.
Under the new system, eligible complaints submitted through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, will automatically be converted into e-Zero FIRs. These FIRs will be transferred electronically through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems to the relevant cybercrime police station for investigation.
The mechanism was introduced following directions from the Punjab government and a standing order issued by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The state’s Cyber Crime Division will oversee implementation to ensure the timely registration, transfer, investigation and supervision of eligible cases.
Cyber-fraud cases involving ₹1 crore or more will be transferred to the State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali for registration and investigation.
“The first few hours after a cyber financial fraud are the most critical for tracing and freezing funds,” Yadav said.
The automated registration process is intended to reduce procedural delays and allow investigating officers to begin legal and technical action at an early stage. This may include freezing bank accounts, digital wallets and other payment instruments suspected of being used to transfer fraudulently obtained funds.
The mechanism is also expected to assist with the preservation of electronic evidence and improve coordination between investigators, banks, financial institutions, telecom operators and digital-service providers.
Victims will be notified after an e-Zero FIR is registered. The communication will include information about the police station handling the case, the assigned investigating officer and the process for completing statutory formalities under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Cyber Crime Division has advised victims to report unauthorised financial transactions immediately through helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting can improve the chances of identifying transaction trails, blocking suspicious transfers and recovering lost funds.
The system forms part of Punjab Police’s efforts to strengthen its response to online financial crime and provide quicker assistance to victims.
