Chandigarh, 29 July (H.S.): In a major step to strengthen Punjab's response to cyber-enabled financial crimes, the Punjab Police has operationalised the e-Zero FIR mechanism for cyber financial fraud cases involving fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹5 lakh. The system was formally launched following the issuance of a Standing Order by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

The new mechanism allows eligible complaints registered through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 to be automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs. These FIRs are electronically transferred through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) to the concerned Cyber Crime Police Station in the respective district or police commissionerate for immediate investigation.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that cyber financial fraud complaints involving ₹1 crore or more will be transferred to the State Cyber Crime Police Station, Mohali, for registration and investigation.

He said the system has been designed to eliminate delays in FIR registration and enable investigating officers to quickly freeze bank accounts, digital wallets and other payment instruments used in cyber frauds, preserve electronic evidence, coordinate with financial institutions and initiate prompt investigations to maximise recovery of the defrauded amount.

The first few hours after a cyber financial fraud are the most critical for tracing and freezing funds. The e-Zero FIR system empowers investigating officers to take urgent legal and technical action without procedural delays, the DGP said.

Under the new system, victims will receive immediate information regarding the registration of their e-Zero FIR, details of the concerned Cyber Crime Police Station, the Investigating Officer, and the procedure for completing statutory formalities under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Special DGP Cyber Crime V. Neeraja said the mechanism strengthens coordination among the NCRP, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, CCTNS, banks, financial institutions, telecom service providers, intermediaries and law enforcement agencies, ensuring a faster and more effective response to cyber financial fraud.

She urged citizens to report cyber financial fraud immediately through the 1930 helpline or the NCRP portal, stating that prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering lost money.

The State Cyber Crime Division, Punjab, will monitor the implementation of the e-Zero FIR mechanism across the state to ensure timely registration, transfer, investigation and supervision of cyber financial fraud cases.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH