Dharwad: For years, losing a mobile phone meant losing valuable data, contacts and money forever. Many people who misplaced expensive smartphones had little hope of getting them back. But technology and coordinated policing are changing that reality.
Sanchar Saathi Portal Transforms Recovery Efforts
With the help of the Union government's Sanchar Saathi portal, in the last three years, Hubballi-Dharwad police have recovered over 2,000 mobile phones. The portal, developed by the telecommunications department through the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), enables users to block, trace and recover lost mobiles quickly. It also allows them to verify the number of SIM cards registered in their names.
Police said the system has significantly improved the tracing process. Earlier, stolen or missing phones often disappeared without a trace. Now, once a complaint is filed and the device is blocked through the portal, tracking becomes easier.
Process for Filing a Complaint
To initiate the process, the owner must lodge a complaint at the nearest police station and upload the FIR copy, mobile IMEI number, purchase bill and Aadhaar copy on the Sanchar Saathi portal. Details of the handset and the place where it was lost must also be furnished. After verification through an OTP sent to an alternate mobile number, the device is blocked within minutes.
Recovery Statistics
According to police records, 1,077 lost mobile phones were recovered in 2023 alone. The number stood at 436 in 2024 and 407 in 2025. This year, 84 phones have been traced and returned to owners so far. Nationwide, nearly 33.1 lakh lost phones have been blocked through the portal, while around 20 lakh devices have been recovered.
DCP (law and order) Shruti NS said people should immediately file complaints after losing phones to prevent misuse or illegal resale of devices.
