Home Ministry Launches e-Zero FIR System to Accelerate Cybercrime Action and Support Victims

In a major push to combat rising cybercrime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the e-Zero FIR system, a new digital initiative under the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The system, launched as a pilot project in Delhi, aims to fast-track legal action in high-value cyber financial frauds by automatically converting eligible complaints into FIRs.

Automatic FIRs for Faster Action

The e-Zero FIR initiative is designed to drastically reduce delays in the current system, where victims often face hurdles in getting police to formally register cybercrime complaints.

Under this system:

• Cyber fraud cases reported via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the helpline 1930 will automatically be registered as FIRs.
• This applies to cases exceeding ₹10 lakh, initially in the Delhi pilot phase.
• Victims will not need to visit police stations to initiate legal proceedings.

By eliminating manual steps, the system boosts response speed, helping authorities freeze transactions and trace culprits more effectively.

Nationwide Rollout on the Horizon

In a post on social media, Amit Shah emphasized that this new system will “nab any criminal with unprecedented speed.” He also announced that the initiative will soon be expanded across the country, as part of the government’s broader mission to build a cyber-secure Bharat.

I4C: India’s Cybercrime Nerve Center

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), based in New Delhi, is the country’s primary hub for tackling cybercrime. It supports state and central agencies with:

• Specialized tools and technology
• Training programs for investigators
• Coordinated national strategies to counter digital threats

A Step Toward Safer Digital India

The launch of e-Zero FIR represents a transformative shift in how India handles cybercrime, particularly financial fraud. It reflects the government’s commitment to:

• Streamline digital policing
• Protect citizens in the online space
• Enhance confidence in digital transactions

With the national rollout expected soon, the system is set to become a cornerstone of India’s cybersecurity framework.