Udupi: The Udupi district police recovered seven suspected stolen mobile phones worth several lakh rupees after alert mobile shop owners identified the devices through the Sanchar Saathi application and informed the authorities.
According to a press release issued by the police, unidentified individuals had approached various mobile shops across Udupi district in an attempt to sell mobile phones. However, the shop owners became suspicious about the devices and decided to verify them using the Sanchar Saathi app.
During the verification process, the phones were found to be listed in the blacklist database under the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system, indicating that the devices were suspected to be stolen or reported missing.
Police said the suspects failed to provide valid ownership documents or purchase records when questioned by the shop owners, which further raised suspicion regarding the authenticity of the devices.
Mobile retailers alert police
On Wednesday, members of the Udupi District Mobile Retailers Association handed over the recovered mobile phones to the Superintendent of Police at the district police office.
The delegation was led by association president Vivek G Suvarna along with members Ranjith Shetty, Sandesh, Sudharshan, Ganesh and Abhishek.
Police appreciated the alertness and responsible action taken by the mobile retailers, stating that their timely verification and cooperation helped prevent the illegal sale of suspected stolen devices in the market.
Officials noted that increasing public awareness regarding mobile verification tools such as Sanchar Saathi has significantly helped law enforcement agencies trace lost and stolen mobile phones more effectively.
Details of recovered devices
The recovered mobile phones include several high-value devices from different brands. According to police, the recovered phones are:
- Redmi Model 25028RN031
- Redmi Model 2312DRAABI
- Samsung Sky Blue model
- Realme Model RMX3741
- HMD 64 MP AI Camera phone
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Model SM-S928B/DS)
- iQOO Aspherical High Resolution model
Police officials said the original owners of the devices would be identified through the CEIR portal and the phones would be returned after completing the necessary legal formalities.
Police issue advisory to public and shop owners
The district police also issued an advisory urging mobile shop owners and members of the public to remain cautious while purchasing second-hand mobile phones.
Authorities advised buyers to verify mobile devices through the Sanchar Saathi application before completing any transaction. Police also recommended using the customer’s SIM card for verification instead of personal SIM cards while checking device details.
Officials further warned people against purchasing phones without proper bills, invoices or ownership documents, as such devices could be stolen property linked to criminal activities.
The police appealed to citizens and mobile retailers to immediately inform the nearest police station if any suspicious person attempts to sell mobile phones without valid proof of ownership.
Technology helping curb mobile theft
Police officials said digital tools such as the Sanchar Saathi app and CEIR portal have become increasingly useful in tracing stolen mobile devices and preventing illegal resale activities.
The system enables users and authorities to identify blacklisted devices through unique IMEI numbers, helping law enforcement agencies recover lost phones and track criminal networks involved in mobile theft.
Authorities urged the public to make use of official verification platforms before purchasing second-hand devices to avoid financial losses and legal complications.