Nellore Railway Police Recover 50 Lost Phones Worth ₹10 Lakh, Return Them to Passengers

In a significant success for railway law enforcement, the Nellore railway police have recovered 50 lost mobile phones valued at approximately ₹10 lakh and returned them to their owners. The recovery was made possible through the use of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) tracking, according to officials. The operation was carried out by special teams formed to trace the devices.

The CEIR portal, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, allows users to report lost or stolen phones and block them across networks. By leveraging IMEI numbers, unique to each device, the police were able to track the phones even if SIM cards were changed. This case underscores the growing reliance on digital tools in policing and the importance of citizens reporting lost devices promptly. The total value of the recovered phones is estimated at ₹10 lakh, though individual handset models were not disclosed.

The successful recovery is expected to boost public confidence in railway police efforts to combat theft and lost property. It also serves as a reminder for passengers to register their devices on the CEIR portal and keep IMEI numbers handy. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the recovered phones, and further investigations are ongoing. This operation aligns with broader national efforts to curb mobile phone theft and misuse.