Pune: Wakad Police Return 137 Lost and Stolen Mobile Phones Worth Rs 40 Lakh to Owners

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 31st May 2025: In a remarkable display of technological efficiency and public service, Wakad Police have successfully recovered and returned 137 lost and stolen mobile phones, collectively worth nearly ₹40 lakh, to their rightful owners. The handover ceremony was held under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishal Gaikwad, who personally handed over the devices to grateful citizens.

Technology-Driven Recovery Effort:
The operation focused on mobile phones reported stolen or lost in busy areas such as markets, buses, public gatherings, and during daily commutes. Many of these cases had been pending for a long time, with owners having lost all hope of recovery.

Leveraging advanced mobile tracking tools, the Wakad Police were able to:

Trace phones across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.

Contact new users of the recovered phones, confirm identity and ownership, and seize the devices using legal protocols.

In several instances, phones were even couriered back to the police station after coordination with local authorities.

Overwhelming Public Response
The owners, many of whom had given up hope, were visibly emotional and appreciative. “I thought I would never see my phone again,” said one recipient. “But the police proved me wrong with their dedication and follow-up.”

The recovery operation was executed under the leadership of:

DCP Vishal Gaikwad

ACP Sunil Kurade

Senior Police Inspector Nivrutti Kolhatkar

Their joint efforts, along with the contribution of a skilled and determined investigation team, made the seemingly impossible task achievable.

A Model for Effective Policing
“This operation is a testament to how determination, teamwork, and technology can solve cases that are usually considered untraceable,” said a senior police officer. The initiative not only recovered valuable property but also reinstated public trust in local law enforcement.

Residents have praised the Wakad Police Station for setting a new benchmark in citizen service and crime recovery efforts.