TN Government implements e-Zero FIR system to fight cyber financial fraud faster

The initiative is part of the Union Home Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the response to these crimes and improve the recovery of embezzled funds. | Photo credit: iStockphoto

The Government of Tamil Nadu has introduced the e-Zero FIR system to facilitate quick registration and investigation of cyber financial fraud cases reported through the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930. The initiative was launched in line with the Union Home Ministry’s nationwide efforts to strengthen the response to cyber financial crimes and improve the recovery of defrauded funds.

Director General of Police/Chief of Police (DGP/HoPF) Magesh Kumar Agarwal said that under the e-Zero FIR mechanism, complaints of cyber financial fraud with a loss of more than ₹ 1 lakh, reported through the 1930 helpline, are automatically integrated with the Crime and Crime Tracking Network and Systems (CCTZero) – a nationwide portal for digital registration of FIRs and FIRs.

The e-Zero FIR is electronically transferred to the jurisdictional cyber crime police station for investigation and is subsequently converted into a regular FIR by the jurisdictional police station. Once the e-Zero FIR is registered, the complainant will receive an SMS directing them to visit the cyber crime police station within three days and complete the necessary formalities, he said.

As stipulated in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the complainant has to visit the concerned police station within three days to verify the electronically filed complaint and complete the formal registration process.

The e-Zero FIR system has been implemented under Section 173 of the BNSS, which enables the provision of information relating to a cognizable offense through electronic communication and enables the registration of a Zero FIR irrespective of the local jurisdiction.

Mr. Agarwal said the system ensures that legal action can be initiated without delay, even before local jurisdiction is determined. “Integrating the 1930 Helpline with CCTNS eliminates duplicate data entry, enables faster case registration and seamless jurisdictional transfer, and supports timely investigations, freezing of fraudulent transactions, preservation of digital evidence and better recovery of misappropriated funds during the critical golden hour,” he said.

He added that the victims will receive an SMS confirming the registration of e-Zero FIR and directing them to report to the said cyber crime police station within three days for further proceedings. Apart from the e-Zero FIR mechanism for cases of cyber financial fraud involving losses exceeding ₹100,000, the public is advised to report all cyber crimes immediately by calling 1930.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 23:14 IST