Poonch district police in Jammu and Kashmir returned 50 lost and stolen mobile phones worth over ₹8 lakh to their rightful owners on Sunday, in a handover ceremony held at the District Police Office, Poonch. The recovery was carried out by the Cyber Police Station Poonch through technical investigation and coordination with telecom service providers.

How the Phones Were Traced and Recovered

The cyber team used advanced tracking tools, surveillance, and coordination with telecom operators to locate the devices across multiple locations. Central to the effort was the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) Portal under the Sanchar Saathi initiative, which enables police and network operators to track handsets via their unique IMEI numbers. When a blocked or reported device connects to any cellular network, an alert is triggered — making recovery highly likely once the phone is switched on.

Following technical tracing, the devices underwent legal verification before being formally returned to their owners. Beneficiaries at the event thanked the police for their prompt and professional response.

What SSP Poonch Said at the Event

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Poonch Shafqat Hussain personally handed the phones to beneficiaries in the presence of police officers and citizens. Speaking at the function, SSP Hussain urged residents to report lost or stolen phones immediately — both through the CEIR portal and at the nearest police station — to maximise recovery chances. He reaffirmed the department's commitment to citizen-centric policing and the use of technology in public service delivery.

Steps Citizens Should Take If a Phone Is Stolen

Cyber police outlined a clear protocol for victims of phone theft. First, obtain the phone's IMEI number by dialling *#006# or checking the original purchase box. Second, file a formal complaint or FIR at the nearest police station or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Third, use the CEIR Portal to block the device using the FIR and IMEI number, preventing misuse. Finally, contact the network provider to deactivate the lost SIM card and obtain a replacement with the same number.

Cyber police also warned that unreported stolen phones — left operational in the hands of thieves — can expose the original owner to criminal and financial liability.

Broader Significance for J&K Policing

This initiative reflects a wider push by Jammu and Kashmir Police to deploy technology-driven solutions in public service. The Poonch recovery drive is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community trust in law enforcement through proactive, outcome-focused policing. Officials indicated that the cyber unit will continue using modern tools and inter-agency coordination to safeguard public property across the district.