Maharashtra Leads in Digital Policing: 958 e-FIRs and 12,398 Zero FIRs Registered Under CM Fadnavis’ Tech-Driven Reforms

Mumbai | UnderCover Editor News Agency

— Revealing What Matters

Maharashtra has made significant progress in transforming its policing system with the implementation of digital reforms aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency for citizens. Between July 2024 and September 2025, the state recorded 958 e-FIRs and 12,398 zero FIRs, according to official data. Notably, 2,871 of these zero FIRs were filed from other states, highlighting the state’s growing focus on citizen convenience and inter-jurisdictional cooperation.

The e-FIR system enables citizens to file complaints online without visiting a police station, while the zero FIR facility allows registration of offences at any police station, irrespective of where the incident occurred. These measures have reduced procedural delays and enhanced transparency in the justice process.

At a recent review meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also heads the Home Department, emphasized Maharashtra’s leadership in implementing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and related laws, aimed at ensuring faster and citizen-centric justice delivery.

“The goal is not only to simplify the system but to make justice timely and accessible to every citizen through digital transformation,” Fadnavis stated.

He also noted that the first case under the new criminal laws was registered in Maharashtra on July 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in digital governance of criminal justice. To further enhance the system, departments were instructed to integrate e-witness statements with FIRs, strengthen real-time case tracking, and expand digital policing infrastructure across the state.

Boosting Judicial Efficiency

The Maharashtra government has already equipped 2,148 courtrooms and 60 prisons with video conferencing systems, enabling remote hearings and minimizing delays. Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) initiative, electronically filed FIRs will now be sent directly to the courts for faster judicial processing.

To ensure accountability, Fadnavis directed that independent officers be appointed to monitor timely filing of chargesheets and conduct regular departmental progress reviews. Additionally, two new prison divisions for Nagpur and Amravati are proposed, along with new prisons planned in both districts.

Strengthening Investigation and Forensics

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for continuous police training, particularly in cybercrime, forensic investigation, and data-based policing. Maharashtra’s police force has been equipped with 251 mobile forensic vans, significantly improving evidence collection and boosting conviction rates.

Fadnavis reiterated that Maharashtra’s approach aims to make the criminal justice system transparent, digitally empowered, and citizen-friendly, setting a benchmark for other states.

— Reported by UnderCover Editor News Agency