In a significant success for public service, the Udupi Town police have successfully traced and returned approximately 60 lost mobile phones to their rightful owners. This achievement was made possible through the strategic use of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, a technological tool aiding law enforcement in combating mobile theft and loss.
How the Recovery Operation Unfolded
The process began when the police department received multiple complaints from citizens regarding their lost or stolen mobile devices. These complaints were primarily filed through the official Karnataka State Police (KSP) mobile application, providing a digital trail for the authorities to follow. Upon receiving the complaints, the police acted swiftly to block the missing phones using the CEIR portal, a critical step that prevents misuse of the devices.
Subsequently, the technical team at the Udupi Town police station utilized the CEIR system to track the unique IMEI numbers of the reported phones. This systematic approach led to the successful tracing of around 60 mobile handsets. The owners were then contacted and requested to visit the police station for verification and collection.
Formal Handover Ceremony at Police Station
The recovered mobile phones were formally handed back to the complainants in a ceremony held on Tuesday. The event was conducted under the supervision of senior police officials, ensuring transparency and proper procedure. The officials present during the handover included Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Prabhu DT and the inspector-in-charge Mahesh Prasad.
They were assisted by police sub-inspectors Bharatesh Kankanawadi, Eeranna Shiragumpi, Narayana B, and Gopalakrishna Jogi. The presence of these officers underscored the department's commitment to resolving citizen grievances and leveraging technology for public welfare.
The Role of CEIR Portal in Curbing Mobile Crime
The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal has emerged as a powerful weapon for police forces across India. It allows law enforcement to block any mobile phone that is reported lost or stolen across all telecom networks, rendering the device useless for further communication. This not only deters theft but also helps in tracing the physical location of the handset.
The Udupi police's initiative highlights the effective implementation of this central government scheme at the grassroots level. It serves as a model for other police stations, demonstrating how digital tools can enhance traditional policing methods to deliver tangible results for the community.
This successful recovery drive has boosted public confidence in the police force's ability to handle tech-related complaints. It also serves as a reminder for citizens to immediately report lost phones via official channels like the KSP app and to note their device's IMEI number, which is crucial for such recovery operations.
