Nagpur: The Nagpur police have issued a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline handling, investigation, and redressal of the rising cyber fraud cases across local police stations and Cyber Police Station.A key feature is the introduction of strict timelines for grievance redressal. Complaints related to fund holds must be addressed within 15 days, failing which they will escalate to a district-level officer. The 90-day rule mandates lifting of holds if no legal order is secured within the stipulated period.The SOP lays down clear guidelines on complaint verification, registration of offences, fund-tracking mechanisms, and grievance redressal. Police have been directed to ensure complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the 1930 helpline, or directly at police stations are first scrutinised to establish a prima facie case of cyber-enabled financial crime before escalation to the central financial fraud system.Officials have been instructed to initiate prompt action to hold suspected funds through legally valid electronic notices under provisions of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). However, freezing or seizure of bank accounts will now mandatorily require registration of an FIR or e-FIR, with due process and documentation.The SOP cautions against unnecessary freezing of accounts and underlining the need to protect individuals’ rights to livelihood and privacy. Investigating officers are required to trace the complete money trail and assess whether account holders are complicit or victims themselves, such as in cases of hacked or mule accounts.The directive also calls for enhanced inter-state coordination, digital verification processes, and accountability at all levels. Senior officials have been tasked with ensuring uniform implementation and training.Police said the SOP aims to bring clarity, accountability, and efficiency while safeguarding the interests of both victims and account holders.
