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New System Rolled Out on Haryana Police’s Initiative; No FIR or Lawyer Required
Chandigarh: In a landmark move aimed at ensuring swift justice for citizens, Haryana Police has enabled cyber fraud victims to receive their blocked (frozen) money directly through Lok Adalats—without lengthy court procedures or the need for an FIR. The Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) has issued formal directions to all Lok Adalats following a proposal by the police.
Under the new mechanism, any amount successfully blocked in the fraudster’s bank account after the victim reports the crime will now be returned promptly through Permanent Lok Adalats. This provides significant relief to victims who earlier struggled for months—even years—to recover their funds.
“Human-Centric Model”: DGP O. P. Singh
Haryana DGP O.P. Singh said the initiative is rooted in a compassionate approach towards victims. “The biggest problem in cybercrime was that even when the victim’s money was blocked, they had to run from pillar to post to get it back. Understanding this human challenge, we proposed a simple and effective model to the government and judiciary,” he said. “Now, no cyber fraud victim in Haryana will have to leave their rightful money to fate. We have ensured quick relief and justice.” The DGP urged citizens to immediately report cyber fraud during the “Golden Hour” by calling 1930, enabling police to block the fraudulent transaction in time.
Government Issues Notification; Lok Adalats Empowered
Acting on Haryana Police’s request, the Department of Administration of Justice has issued a notification formally bringing applications related to the release or de-freezing of blocked cyber fraud money—where no FIR is registered—under the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats as Public Utility Services. This means such cases will now be processed as Pre-Litigation Cases (PLCs), ensuring faster disposal and reducing the burden on regular courts.
Four-Step, Time-Bound Refund Process
To ensure seamless facilitation, Haryana Police and the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) have jointly developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Refunds will now be completed in four easy steps:
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Immediate Complaint Filing
Victims must report the fraud by calling 1930 or registering a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Police promptly block the suspected account. -
Application to DLSA
The victim fills out a simple refund request form. The Investigating Officer assists with documents and the bank’s blocking report. -
Lok Adalat Proceedings
After verification, DLSA forwards the case to the Lok Adalat/Permanent Lok Adalat, which completes conciliation and issues a refund order within a week. -
Immediate Disbursal by Bank
The bank releases the blocked amount to the victim’s account upon receiving the court order. All communication is done electronically. Importantly, victims do not need a lawyer at any stage of the process. They can independently apply for a refund with DLSA’s support.
Haryana Police Issues Urgent Advisory on Foreign Job Scams
Alongside the new refund system, Haryana Police has released a critical advisory amid the ongoing repatriation of Indian nationals trapped in cyber-fraud hubs in Thailand. Many among them belong to Haryana. The advisory warns. Residents must verify any overseas job offer—its company, agent, and terms—before accepting. Several job-seekers have been lured into cyber-fraud operations and cyber slavery. Indian passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand for tourism or short business visits, but not for employment purposes. Misuse of visa-free entry may lead to detention or legal action. Citizens are urged to check on relatives working abroad and ensure they are not falling prey to such rackets.
