Cybercrime Under Siege: AP Orders Zero FIR System, High-Tech War Room in 30 Days

The Andhra Pradesh government is stepping up its fight against cybercrime with plans to launch a state-of-the-art Cyber War Room within the next 30 days. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the initiative during a high-level review meeting, describing it as a key step toward building a safer digital environment across the state.

A major focus of the plan is faster response to cyber fraud complaints. The Chief Minister directed officials to introduce a system for immediate registration of Zero FIRs , enabling authorities to act quickly regardless of where a complaint is filed. Stressing the importance of the “golden hour” after a cybercrime incident, he called for technology that can notify banks within minutes, helping prevent the movement of stolen funds.

Naidu also raised concerns about the rise of so-called “digital arrest” scams, in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, court officials, or central agency personnel to extort money from victims. He urged citizens not to fall for such threats and instructed agencies to intensify action against organized cybercrime networks.

The proposed Andhra Pradesh Cyber Guard program will serve as the backbone of the state’s cyber defense strategy. Built on six pillars including a Cyber War Room, AI-driven monitoring tools, an upgraded 1930 helpline, trained personnel, a three-tier operational structure, and public awareness initiatives the framework is designed to improve both prevention and enforcement.

Officials said the Cyber War Room, to be set up at Prabhala Tech Park in Mangalagiri, will include 11 specialized units dedicated to emergency response, cyber threat monitoring, and legal support. The existing 1930 Cyber Helpline will also be integrated more closely with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to streamline complaint handling.

To strengthen financial fraud detection, the government plans to deploy Mule Hunter AI , an artificial intelligence system developed in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) . The platform will help identify and block suspicious bank accounts often used by cybercriminals.

The state will also invest in capacity building by providing advanced cybercrime training to 500 police personnel and establishing dedicated cyber units in all 28 districts , supported by four regional hubs. In addition, authorities have been directed to expand cyber patrolling and conduct 3,000 public awareness programs annually to educate citizens about online fraud and digital safety.

The initiative reflects Andhra Pradesh’s growing emphasis on technology-led policing, rapid response mechanisms, and public participation in combating cyber threats.