Tamil Nadu Launches e-Zero FIR System to Fast-Track Cyber Financial Fraud Cases

The Tamil Nadu government has introduced the e-Zero FIR system to enable faster registration and investigation of cyber financial fraud cases reported through the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930. This initiative aligns with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ nationwide efforts to strengthen the response to cyber financial crimes and improve the recovery of defrauded funds.

Director-General of Police Magesh Kumar Agarwal stated that under the e-Zero FIR mechanism, complaints involving losses exceeding ₹1 lakh, reported via the 1930 helpline, are automatically integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) — a nationwide digital police portal — for the registration of an e-Zero FIR.

The e-Zero FIR is electronically transferred to the jurisdictional cybercrime police station for investigation and is later converted into a regular FIR by the police station that has territorial jurisdiction. Once registered, the complainant receives an SMS asking them to visit the concerned cybercrime police station within three days to complete necessary formalities, as mandated by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

This system operates under Section 173 of the BNSS, which allows information regarding a cognizable offence to be submitted through electronic communication and permits the registration of a Zero FIR regardless of territorial jurisdiction. Mr. Agarwal noted that the system ensures legal action can begin without delay, even before jurisdiction is determined.

“Integration of the 1930 helpline with CCTNS eliminates duplicate data entry, enables faster case registration and seamless jurisdictional transfer, and supports timely investigation, freezing of fraudulent transactions, preservation of digital evidence, and improved recovery of defrauded funds during the critical Golden Hour,” he said.

Victims receive an SMS confirming the e-Zero FIR registration and are directed to report to the specified cybercrime police station within three days. In addition to cases exceeding ₹1 lakh, the public is urged to report all cybercrimes immediately by calling the 1930 helpline.