The e-Zero FIR allows victims of cybercrime to file an FIR online, regardless of their location, and enables faster investigation and recovery of lost money

HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad 

There is a growing demand for e-Zero FIR as cybercrime continues unabated. It could speed up registration of complaints, improve investigation, and enhance money-recovery. The request follows the Ministry of Home Affairs’ rollout of the e-Zero FIR mechanism as a pilot project in Delhi in May 2025, a move that has already earned widespread appreciation nationwide.  

According to the procedure, cybercrime complaints involving sums up to Rs 25 lakh are sent to the district cybercrime police station. Cases between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh are handled by the crime branch’s cyber cell, while those exceeding Rs 50 lakh go directly to the Special Cell’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations unit. 

Furthermore, complaints filed through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or the 1930 helpline are automatically converted into Zero FIRs when the reported loss exceeds Rs 10 lakh. This step ensures automatic FIR generation, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, and saving crucial time for victims. 

Traditionally, victims had to physically visit a police station to file an FIR, often losing valuable hours in jurisdictional disputes. The e-Zero FIR changes that by allowing FIRs to be filed digitally, regardless of territorial limits. Once filed, the complaint is registered at Delhi Police’s e-Crime Police Station and later transferred to the appropriate cybercrime police unit. This digital synchronization has been made possible through deep integration between the NCRP, the Delhi Police e-FIR system, and the National Crime Records Bureau’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) 

Sailesh G, a software employee, says, “e-Zero FIR must be launched here in Hyderabad given the rise in cybercrime in this part.”  Anuradha, a 29-year-old finance analyst, said “Every week we hear of someone losing money to a fake link or scam call. If e-Zero FIR comes to Hyderabad, the automatic FIR generation can speed up the entire process. Quick FIR means quick action from banks and cyber teams, which increases the chances of recovering money. For many families, even a few hours matter. This system can be a real savior”, she added. 

 “Most people hesitate to go to police stations because of the fear, long procedures, or simply not knowing where to go”, says a Cyber Security student, Madhuri K. With e-Zero FIR, the process becomes simple and transparent. Just by calling helpline number 1930 or  registering a complaint on the National CyberCrime Reporting Portal converts the complaint into FIR automatically regardless of the location. There is no jurisdiction barrier as victims can file FIRs at any police station, eliminating delays caused by jurisdictional issues.

While a Hyderabad-specific e-Zero FIR portal is not yet available, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal provides the necessary mechanism for victims in Hyderabad to leverage the e-Zero FIR system for high-value cyber financial fraud cases.  With features such as no jurisdiction restrictions, automatic FIR generation, and faster escalation, residents of Hyderabad believe the e-Zero FIR can significantly boost cybercrime redressal.