Kodagu Cyber Police Successfully Trace and Return 104 Stolen Mobile Phones
In a significant achievement for law enforcement in the region, the Kodagu district cyber police have successfully returned 104 mobile phones that were reported stolen or lost to their rightful owners. The official handover ceremony took place on Tuesday in Madikeri, marking a crucial step in combating mobile theft through technological means.
Coordinated Recovery Operation Across State Borders
Kodagu Superintendent of Police RN Bindu Mani, who personally oversaw the return of the devices, revealed that these phones had been lost or stolen during the years 2024 and 2025. What makes this recovery operation particularly noteworthy is its geographical scope. The cyber police didn't limit their search to Kodagu district alone but extended their investigation to neighboring states.
The recovered phones were traced not only within Kodagu but also from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, demonstrating a coordinated follow-up effort that transcended district boundaries. This cross-border cooperation significantly enhanced the recovery rate and set a precedent for inter-state police collaboration in tackling mobile theft.
CEIR Portal: The Technological Backbone of Recovery
The cyber police accomplished this feat through the strategic use of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. This government-operated platform allows authorities to track mobile devices using their unique IMEI numbers once complaints are formally registered. In just the last month alone, police managed to trace and seize 104 phones with an estimated total value of approximately Rs 11 lakh.
Police officials clarified an important procedural detail: after the successful recovery of these devices, no criminal cases were registered against the individuals found in possession of the stolen phones. Instead, the phones were simply seized and returned to their legitimate owners, focusing on restitution rather than prosecution in these particular instances.
Personal Stories Highlight Emotional Impact of Recovery
The human stories behind these recovered devices underscore the emotional significance of this police initiative. Nagaraj from Shanivarasanthe had lost all hope of ever seeing his phone again after it went missing in 2023. "I had little expectation of getting it back after all this time," he admitted. "But its recovery represents a truly commendable effort by our police force."
Swathi expressed pleasant surprise when police contacted her about finding her lost device, while Sadika Banu of Madikeri became emotional upon receiving her phone that had been lost in Kushalnagar in 2025. Her device contained priceless photographs of her late father, making the recovery particularly meaningful.
Official Guidance for Mobile Phone Owners
Superintendent of Police RN Bindu Mani offered crucial advice to citizens regarding mobile phone security. She emphasized that if a phone is stolen or lost, owners should immediately take two important steps:
- File a formal complaint at the nearest police station to create an official record of the incident.
- Submit all required details about the missing device on the CEIR portal to significantly improve the chances of recovery.
The ceremony was attended by several key police officials including DSP Suraj, cybercrime division DSP Lakshmikanth Talwar, circle inspectors PK Raju and IP Medappa, and police inspector Chandrashekhar, highlighting the departmental importance placed on this successful recovery operation.
This initiative demonstrates how technological tools like the CEIR portal, when combined with determined police work and cross-border cooperation, can effectively combat mobile phone theft and provide meaningful relief to affected citizens.
