Sri Vijaya Puram, April 30: Ten mobile phones reported missing over the past two months have been traced and returned to their owners in South Andaman following a coordinated tracking effort by police in Pahargaon.
Authorities said multiple complaints regarding lost or missing mobile devices were received at Police Station Pahargaon during this period, prompting an investigation using technical surveillance and field verification. The phones were recovered from different locations and handed over to their respective claimants on April 29.
The recovery process involved continuous monitoring of technical data and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, which tracks lost or stolen mobile devices. A police team analysed available inputs and followed up with on-ground verification to identify the locations of the devices.
Officials indicated that all recovered phones were returned after verifying ownership and completing necessary procedures. The operation focused on tracing devices reported missing across different cases rather than a single incident.
The complaints had highlighted recurring issues of mobile phone loss in the area, prompting authorities to rely on digital tracking tools and coordinated follow-up to locate the devices. The use of CEIR allowed for systematic monitoring of mobile identifiers and movement across networks.
Police said such cases often involve devices being circulated or relocated across different areas, making technical tracking an essential component of recovery efforts. Field-level checks were carried out alongside data analysis to confirm the location and possession of the phones.
Following recovery, the devices were handed over at the police station to the verified owners. Authorities said the process included validation of claims to ensure that the phones were returned to the rightful individuals.
Residents have been advised to report lost or stolen mobile phones promptly through the CEIR portal as well as at the nearest police station. Early reporting can help initiate tracking and increase the chances of recovery.
Police have also requested the public to share information about any mobile phone found in their possession that does not belong to them. Information can be provided through helpline numbers 112, 03192-232100 and 03192-250525. Officials stated that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
The incident reflects the role of digital tools and coordinated tracking in addressing everyday property loss cases, particularly in situations involving mobile devices.
