Pune Police Track 193 Mobiles Across States, Return Them to Citizens

Pune, 27th November 2025: In a major citizen-centric initiative, Pune Police on Wednesday returned 193 lost and stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners by tracing them via the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. The recovered devices were handed over during a special distribution programme held in the city.

The event took place at the Swar Samragni Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in the new building of Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Shivajinagar, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawale. Police stations from Zone 1 — Khadak, Samarth, Faraskhana, Vishrambag, Shivajinagar and Deccan — participated in the drive.

According to official data, 50 phones were returned by Samarth Police Station, 40 each by Khadak and Deccan, 30 by Shivajinagar, 19 by Faraskhana and 14 by Vishrambag Police Station, totalling 193 recovered devices.

The CEIR portal helps track lost or stolen mobile phones using their IMEI numbers and blocks their misuse. After tracing the handsets to different locations across Maharashtra and other states, police seized them and handed them back to owners following due verification.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and DCP Rawale supervised the initiative, which saw the presence of senior officers, police inspectors and staff from the participating stations.

Several recipients expressed gratitude to Pune Police, praising the efficient and transparent process that helped them recover valuable personal devices. Officials said such initiatives strengthen public trust and encourage more citizens to lodge complaints in cases of cyber and mobile phone-related crimes.

Police have appealed to the public to promptly report incidents of lost or stolen mobiles and register their devices on the CEIR portal to boost the likelihood of recovery.