‘e-Zero FIR’ Initiative

In view of the rise in financial cyber crimes in India, to provide speedy justice to the victims and strengthen the money recovery process, Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the ‘e-Zero FIR’ initiative aimed at automatically converting high-value cyber fraud cases into FIRs.

What is Zero FIR?

• When a police station registers an FIR for an alleged crime committed outside its jurisdiction, it is called a Zero FIR.
• It is transferred to the concerned police station for further investigation.It does not have a regular FIR number.
• It was initiated following the recommendations of Justice Verma Committee, which was set up after the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case.

Key features of ‘e-Zero FIR’ initiative

• As a pilot project: The system has been launched on a pilot basis in Delhi. It will soon be implemented on a nationwide level.
• Limit of fraud: Financial cyber fraud complaints above ₹10 lakh will automatically be converted into Zero FIRs if lodged on 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in portal.
• Integrated process: The system is based on the integration of I4C’s National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), Delhi Police’s e-FIR mechanism and National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
• FIR Process: On receipt of complaint, a Zero FIR will be registered at e-Crime Police Station, Delhi, which will be promptly forwarded to the concerned regional cyber police stations. Complainants can convert it into a regular FIR by visiting the cyber police station within 3 days.
• Legal Basis: This process is in line with Section 173(1) and Section 173(1)(ii) of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Legal validity has been ensured.

Benefits

• Automatic conversion into FIR: This will eliminate delays in registration of complaints and the investigation process can start quickly.
• Quick Recovery of Money: Banking and digital tracing mechanisms can be activated after the FIR is registered, which increases the possibility of refund to the victim.
• Increased Confidence Among Citizens: This initiative strengthens the spirit of Digital India and shows the seriousness of the Government on Cyber ​​Security.