Punjab Police has launched the e-Zero FIR mechanism to enable faster action against cyber-enabled financial fraud cases involving transactions above Rs 5 lakh. The new system aims to reduce delays in registering complaints, allowing investigators to take immediate steps to freeze fraudulent transactions, preserve digital evidence, and begin recovery efforts.

Under the e-Zero FIR mechanism, eligible cyber financial fraud complaints filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or reported through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 will be automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs. These electronic FIRs will be transferred through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) to the concerned Cyber Crime Police Station in districts or Commissionerates for immediate investigation.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said that complaints involving cyber financial fraud of Rs 1 crore or more will be transferred to the State Cyber Crime Police Station in Mohali for registration and investigation. He said the system would help authorities act quickly during the crucial initial hours after fraud, when tracing and freezing stolen funds is most effective.

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The DGP said the mechanism would support faster freezing of bank accounts, digital wallets, and other payment instruments used in cyber frauds while improving coordination with financial institutions and other agencies. Victims will also receive immediate information about their e-Zero FIR registration, the concerned police station, investigating officer details, and procedures required under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Special DGP Cyber Crime V Neeraja said the initiative strengthens coordination between the NCRP, Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, CCTNS, banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement agencies. She urged citizens to report cyber fraud incidents without delay, as early reporting increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering lost money.

According to Punjab Police data, 63,749 accounts linked to fraudulent transactions worth around Rs 540.34 crore were frozen over the past year, while 62,253 cybercrime cases were registered across the state. Nearly Rs 64 crore has been recovered and refunded to victims since 2024, including Rs 38.42 crore recovered since January 1, 2025. The State Cyber Crime Division will monitor the implementation of the e-Zero FIR system to ensure timely registration and investigation of cases.

Police data showed that Jalandhar Commissionerate recorded the highest number of frozen accounts, followed by Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Tarn Taran. Authorities have also conducted 129 awareness programmes across Punjab to educate citizens about cyber threats. Meanwhile, police have warned about a new fraud targeting women through fake registration links related to the ‘Mukh Mantri Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’, where scammers allegedly use malicious links and mobile access tools to steal personal information and money from victims.

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