MP launches e-Zero FIR system to tackle cyber frauds

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has become the second state after Delhi to implement the e-Zero FIR system to deal with rising cyber financial frauds. The initiative, rolled out on December 25, applies to cyber fraud cases involving amounts above ₹1 lakh.

The system has been given legal backing under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and allows victims to register complaints online from anywhere in the country, irrespective of police station jurisdiction. This is expected to significantly speed up investigations and recovery efforts.

100 e-Zero FIRs already forwarded

Since its launch, the state cyber-crime cell has forwarded around 100 e-Zero FIRs to concerned police stations across Madhya Pradesh for registration of regular FIRs. Officials said the number of complaints received is much higher.

Even in cases where FIRs were yet to be formally registered, immediate action such as blocking bank accounts and freezing fraudulent transactions was taken, police said.

Major relief for victims

Police officials said the system would bring major relief to cyber fraud victims, who earlier had to make repeated visits to police stations. Complaints can now be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline, after which FIRs can be initiated digitally.

However, officers flagged concerns over increased investigation workload, noting that no additional manpower has yet been provided.

Push to expand investigation powers

Currently, cyber-crime cases can be investigated only by inspectors or higher-rank officers. A proposal is under discussion at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to allow sub-inspectors and above to handle investigations, which could ease manpower shortages.

Need for inter-state coordination

Officials highlighted that cyber frauds often involve inter-state networks, making coordination with other states crucial. Efforts are underway to improve coordination to reduce delays and avoid frequent physical raids.

‘Speed is everything’: SP Cyber-Crime

SP (MP State Cyber-Crime Headquarters) Pranay Nagvanshi said the e-Zero FIR system is a game-changer.

“Victims no longer need to worry about jurisdiction. A single call to 1930 is enough to initiate an e-Zero FIR,” he said, stressing that swift police action is critical.
“This system allows us to immediately issue notices to banks, access CCTV footage and obtain call data records, matching the speed at which cyber fraud occurs,” he added.