Rajasthan Police GRM Module: How frozen bank accounts get unfrozen in cyber fraud probes
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Police has detailed the workings of the Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) Module — a fully online system that allows citizens to seek relief when their bank accounts are frozen during cyber fraud investigations. Developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the module operates under the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and is designed to replace the earlier, cumbersome process of repeated visits to police stations, banks, and administrative offices.
What the GRM Module Does
The GRM Module is an online grievance redressal system that addresses a specific problem: innocent account holders whose bank accounts are frozen, placed under lien, or put on hold due to suspicious transactions flagged during cyber crime probes. Its core objective is to ensure an impartial review of each case, providing relief to genuine account holders without compromising the integrity of ongoing investigations.
The module functions within the broader Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), giving it a standardised, multi-agency framework that links banks, police stations, and oversight officers.
Step-by-Step: How the Process Works
The process begins when an affected account holder visits their bank branch and submits a formal application seeking the unfreezing of their account or removal of the lien. The bank then verifies the applicant's KYC (Know Your Customer) details and reviews the transaction history.
Once verification is complete, the bank registers the grievance on the GRM portal, generates a unique Grievance ID, and forwards the case to the designated investigating officer at the relevant police station. The officer then conducts a detailed examination of the transaction trail, checks for suspicious activity, and determines the extent of the account's involvement — if any — in the alleged fraud.
Where necessary, the account holder's statement may be recorded via video conferencing, eliminating the need for physical appearances. The officer then decides whether to unfreeze the account, lift the lien, or dismiss the complaint, and communicates the decision to the bank.
Appeals and Oversight Structure
If a complaint is dismissed at the police station level, the account holder retains the right to appeal before district- and state-level Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs). This multi-tier structure is designed to prevent arbitrary freezing and ensure accountability at every stage.
On the police side, oversight is assigned to the DIG at the state level, the Additional Superintendent of Police/DSP at the district level, and the investigating officer at the station level. On the banking side, a National Nodal Officer, a State Grievance Officer, and a Branch Grievance Officer have been designated, creating parallel accountability chains.
What Rajasthan Police Is Telling Citizens
V.K. Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), said continuous efforts were being made to prevent cyber crimes in the state and provide prompt relief to victims. He described the GRM Module as 'highly beneficial for the general public,' noting that the shift to a fully online process had made grievance redressal more transparent and accountable.
Rajasthan Police has urged citizens not to share bank account details, OTPs, or any confidential banking information with anyone. Those who find their accounts unexpectedly frozen and believe they have no involvement in wrongdoing are advised to contact their bank branch immediately to initiate the GRM process. The system, officials say, is built to distinguish genuine account holders from those with actual links to fraud — and to act swiftly on that distinction.