'No police station visit': Gujarat launches e-Zero FIR system for cyber fraud victims
Gandhinagar, July 27
Gujarat has introduced an e-Zero FIR system for cyber financial fraud cases, allowing victims to initiate the legal process without visiting a police station, in a move aimed at speeding up investigations and improving the chances of preventing financial losses.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi formally launched the 'Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR' service in Gandhinagar on Monday.
Under the new mechanism, complaints lodged through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, will automatically generate an e-Zero FIR, which will then be forwarded electronically to the jurisdictional police station for further action.
The initiative has been implemented in coordination with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and is designed to reduce delays in the initial stages of cybercrime investigations.
Speaking at the launch, Sanghavi said the Gujarat government was continuing its efforts to provide faster and more transparent policing through the use of technology.
"Through the e-Zero FIR system, victims of cyber fraud will be able to register complaints from the comfort of their homes, and timely action will also increase the possibility of saving the defrauded amount," he said.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik has directed all field units to deal with such complaints with seriousness and sensitivity and to ensure that complainants receive prompt justice through effective implementation of the new system.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bipin Ahire, who heads the Cyber Centre of Excellence, said the e-Zero FIR process had been developed in coordination with I4C.
"Complaints relating to cyber financial fraud received through the 1930 helpline would automatically generate a Zero FIR, which would then be transmitted to the concerned police station," he said.
He added, "Police officers will subsequently contact the complainant, obtain the necessary information, register the FIR in accordance with legal procedures and immediately begin the investigation."
State officials also highlighted the first case registered under the new system. An Ahmedabad resident who was targeted in a cyber fraud involving a so-called "digital arrest" registered the state's first e-FIR.
Based on the complaint, the Cyber Crime Department took swift action and succeeded in preventing a loss of more than Rs 15.76 lakh.
The launch programme was attended by Principal Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sanjeev Kumar, DGP G. S. Malik and senior officers of the Cyber Crime Cell.
Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, joined virtually along with all Police Commissioners, Range Heads, Superintendents of Police, Cyber Crime Police Inspectors and other senior police officers across the state through the Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN).
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, something practical! My uncle lost money to a phishing scam last year and the police station was so unhelpful. This digital system might actually save people from losing their hard-earned savings. Hope other states follow Gujarat's lead. 🙏
Great initiative but I hope the cyber crime department actually has enough trained personnel to handle these cases. One complaint can generate an FIR automatically, but if the follow-up is slow, it's still useless. Let's see how the implementation goes on ground.
This is a game-changer for senior citizens like my parents, who are often scared to go to police stations. The 'digital arrest' scam is so common nowadays. Saving Rs 15.76 lakh in the first case is impressive. More awareness needed though—many people still don't know about 1930 helpline.
Hats off to the Gujarat government for leveraging tech to reduce red tape. The e-Zero FIR system will definitely help in quick freezing of bank accounts and preventing loss. But we also need robust cybersecurity education in schools and colleges to prevent frauds at source.
It's good, but I wonder how many people actually know about 1930 helpline? The government should run an ad campaign across TV, radio, and WhatsApp to spread the word. Otherwise even the best system is useless if people don't use it. Still, a positive step! 👏
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