Lost over 10L? Call 1930 for automatic e-fraud FIR

Kolkata: The Kolkata Police has started training its personnel for the implementation of a new e-Zero FIR system, marking a significant shift in how cybercrime complaints — received on 1930 helpline or cybercrime portal — involving amounts exceeding Rs 10 lakh, will be processed, making it more time-bound and pinpointed.The new system, utilising Application Programming Interface software, eliminates the traditional manual screening process. Previously, complaints underwent police personnel screening before being assigned to investigating officers, who then contacted complainants to conduct initial probes before lodging FIRs. Under the new regime, complaints will be automatically screened and categorised, with those involving amounts above Rs 10 lakh being converted into zero FIRs. These will then be automatically forwarded to the relevant cybercrime police stations. Complainants will have three days from the FIR registration date to sign the document. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the ministry of home affairs, recently introduced this automated system that converts financial cybercrime complaints registered on the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in portal directly into FIRs. Rolled out in Delhi, the project is expected to cover Kolkata, Mumbai, and other metros soon in the second phase. "Since this will be a time-bound exercise and will need coordination as far as evidence collection is concerned, we are preparing a dedicated team to ensure proper rollout when the regime is implemented in the state," said a Kolkata Police officer.