In a major step to tackle cyber fraud, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to implement a Zero FIR mechanism for cybercrime complaints. The move is aimed at reducing financial losses and improving response times for victims.
During a review meeting on cybercrime prevention, the Chief Minister said complaints received through the proposed cyber war room should immediately trigger Zero FIR registration. “Cybercrime complaints should immediately result in Zero FIR registration so that banks can be alerted in time and fraudulent transactions are prevented,” Naidu said.
He noted that early registration would help banks receive alerts within the “golden hour,” increasing the chances of blocking fraudulent transactions before funds are transferred.
Naidu also clarified that there is no concept of “digital arrest” under the law and instructed police to take strict action against fraudsters using such tactics. These scams typically involve criminals posing as law enforcement officials, court representatives, or government authorities to intimidate victims through audio and video calls and pressure them into transferring money.
To strengthen cybercrime prevention, the Chief Minister called for better coordination among banks, the police department, Andhra Pradesh Technology Services (APTS), and financial institutions. He also stressed the need for stronger cyber patrolling and public awareness campaigns.
Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta presented the Andhra Pradesh Cyber Guard initiative, a cybersecurity framework built on 6 pillars, including a cyber war room, a 1930 helpline dashboard, AI integration, capacity building, a 3-tier architecture, and public awareness programmes.
A state-level cyber war room will be established at Prabhala Tech Park in Mangalagiri within 30 days. The facility will include 11 specialised divisions covering emergency response, cyber threat intelligence, cybersecurity operations, legal compliance, and district coordination.
Officials said systems are being developed to alert banks within 10 minutes of receiving complaints and freeze suspicious funds. The state is also working with RBI and leading banks to deploy MuleHunter.AI for fraud detection.
Additionally, 500 police personnel will receive specialised cybercrime training within 1 year, while cyber units will be established across all 28 districts and 4 regional hubs. Around 3,000 awareness programmes are also planned annually across the state.
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