Rajasthan Police on Thursday, 23 July launched an automatic e-Zero FIR system for cyber fraud cases involving ₹1 lakh or more, significantly widening the net of immediate legal protection for victims across the state. The move, ordered by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Sharma, follows directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and is aimed at accelerating fund freezing, evidence collection, and arrest of cyber criminals.

What Has Changed

Previously, Rajasthan's e-FIR system was triggered only for cyber financial fraud cases worth ₹5 lakh or more. The revised threshold of ₹1 lakh, confirmed by Additional Director General (Cyber Crime) V.K. Singh, brings a far larger pool of victims under the umbrella of instant legal action. Detailed guidelines have been dispatched to all Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Police Commissioners across the state, with implementation effective immediately.

How the System Works

The new framework integrates three platforms: the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (I4C), the 1930 Cyber Helpline, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). The moment a qualifying complaint is lodged through either the portal or the helpline, an e-Zero FIR is automatically generated at the relevant state cyber police station — without waiting for the complainant's physical signature.

Authorities are then required to immediately initiate measures including freezing of suspected bank accounts, placing holds on fraudulent transactions, and collecting Call Detail Records (CDRs), Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDRs), CCTV footage, and other digital evidence. These steps are designed to prevent criminals from withdrawing or moving stolen funds before investigators can act.

Complainant Responsibilities

While police action begins automatically, victims must visit the concerned police station within 72 hours of e-Zero FIR registration to sign the printed copy of the FIR. If a complainant fails to appear within this window, a formal notice will be issued. Crucially, preliminary investigation and all necessary legal proceedings will continue uninterrupted regardless of whether the complainant appears on time.

Jurisdiction by Fraud Amount

The new guidelines also establish a tiered investigation structure. Fraud cases involving ₹1 crore or more will be handled exclusively by the State Cyber Crime Police Station, Jaipur. Cases between ₹1 lakh and ₹1 crore will be assigned to the relevant district cyber police station or local police station, at the discretion of the District Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

Broader Context

The rollout builds on Rajasthan's establishment of the Rajasthan Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (R4C), modelled on the Centre's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). DGP Sharma described the automatic e-Zero FIR as a milestone in 'technology-driven, victim-centric policing.' Notably, this is part of a wider national push to reduce the golden-hour gap in cyber fraud response — the critical window in which frozen funds can still be recovered. Victims have been urged to call the 1930 Cyber Helpline at the earliest to maximise recovery chances.