Wardha Police explain how to get a frozen bank account restored through the GRM portal

Maharashtra Cyber and the Wardha Police administration have released a detailed guide to the GRM (Grievance Redressal Module) portal, to make it simpler and more transparent to reactivate bank accounts that were frozen or lien-marked during cyber crime investigations. The main aim is that citizens can apply from home or through their bank, without going to a police station in person, and save time.

The first step is to apply at the bank. The original account holder, or an authorised representative, must approach the home branch of the bank where the account is held and submit a written request or application to unfreeze the account. This applies to account holders whose accounts have been frozen or placed under lien because of suspicious transactions linked to a cyber crime investigation.

In the second step, the bank verifies the case. Bank officials will first examine the account holder's KYC (Know Your Customer) documents and the transactions that were flagged as suspicious. If all the information and documents are found to be in order, the bank officials will themselves register a complaint on the GRM portal on the account holder's behalf.

Once the bank submits the complaint on the portal, the system generates a Unique Grievance ID, for example GRM123456. This ID is vital for following up on the complaint. The account holder receives it from the bank or through a system message.

In the fourth step, the registered complaint is sent digitally and immediately to the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case concerned. The officer closely examines the transaction trail of the account, as well as the legal evidence and documents submitted by the account holder.

In the final step, once the investigating officer is fully satisfied on all counts and the investigation has been completed successfully, a recommendation is made to remove the freeze or lien on the account. The bank then restores the account and the account holder is allowed to use their money.

Police have, however, made one point clear. Merely registering a complaint on the GRM portal does not mean the account will be unfrozen immediately or automatically. The final decision depends on the investigating agency, the documents submitted and the legal verification of the facts.

Citizens have been urged: "Do not fall victim to cyber fraud. Stay alert, and if you face any online fraud, report it immediately on the national cyber helpline number 1930 or at www.cybercrime.gov.in."