Odisha Police introduce e-Zero FIR mechanism to strengthen cybercrime response

Bhubaneswar, July 8 (IANS) Odisha Police on Wednesday launched the e-Zero FIR System for cyber financial fraud cases, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s response to cyber-enabled financial crimes.

This was launched by the Director General of Police, Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, during a special programme held at the Odisha Police headquarters in Cuttack.

“The initiative marks a major milestone in Odisha Police’s efforts to leverage technology for faster, transparent and citizen-centric policing. With cyber financial frauds witnessing a steady rise across the country, the e-Zero FIR System has been introduced to ensure prompt registration of cases, facilitate immediate police intervention and enhance the chances of preventing further financial loss,” said Odisha Police.

It further added that the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) has integrated the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) of Odisha.

This integration enables the automatic generation of e-Zero FIR requests for eligible cyber financial fraud complaints, irrespective of jurisdiction. Under the new system, complaints involving cyber financial frauds of Rs 10 lakh and above, reported through the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930, will automatically generate an e-Zero FIR request in CCTNS and be routed to the Cyber Police Station, Crime Branch, Odisha.

Based on the facts and merits of each case, the Cyber Police Station may register a regular FIR and investigate the matter, transfer the complaint to the jurisdictional Cyber Police Station, register a Zero FIR and transfer it to the competent territorial Cyber Crime Police Station, link the complaint with an already registered FIR, or close the request where the prescribed criteria are not fulfilled.

According to the Odisha Police, this integration eliminates duplicate data entry, enables faster registration of cases, facilitates seamless information sharing among law enforcement agencies and allows complainants to track the status of their complaints more efficiently.

Speaking on the occasion, DGP Khurania said, “Odisha Police remain committed to harnessing technology to strengthen cybercrime response mechanisms and provide timely, transparent and citizen-friendly policing.”

Besides, he urged citizens to report cyber financial frauds immediately through the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 to enable prompt police action and improve the chances of recovering defrauded money.

The DGP also congratulated the officers and personnel of the State Crime Records Bureau, Crime Branch and all stakeholders whose dedicated efforts made the successful implementation of the e-Zero FIR System possible.

The launch of the e-Zero FIR System reinforces Odisha Police’s commitment to building a robust, technology-driven policing ecosystem capable of effectively addressing emerging cybercrime challenges while ensuring swift access to justice for citizens.

–IANS

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