In a major crackdown on mobile phone theft, Malkajgiri Police recovered 1,039 lost and stolen mobile phones worth Rs 2.08 crore over the past six months. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Avinash Mohanty, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Malkajgiri, with special teams set up at CCS LB Nagar and Malkajgiri, assisted by the IT Cell and the Central Equipment Identity Registry (CEIR) portal.

Of the recovered phones, 739 were traced in LB Nagar and 300 in Malkajgiri. So far this year, the police have recovered a total of 4,733 mobile phones, including the recent seizures. On January 8, Malkajgiri Police handed over the devices to their rightful owners, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and praised the police for their efforts. The Commissioner also advised the public to safeguard personal information on their phones and remain vigilant.

The recovery operation was coordinated by K. Guna Sekhar, IPS, DCP Crimes, along with CH Rameshwar, Addl. DCP Crimes, Karuna Sagar, ACP Crimes, and the special teams from CCS and the IT Cell. Teams of Inspectors, SIs, ASIs, HCs, and PCs worked under nodal supervision to track and secure the devices.

The police also issued a public advisory, warning that buying or selling stolen mobile phones is illegal and urging people to always request an authorized bill. Citizens are advised to protect phones while traveling or in crowded areas, use strong passwords, activate “Find My Device” features, regularly back up device data, and promptly report lost or stolen phones to the authorities. This initiative highlights the commitment of Malkajgiri Police to curb mobile theft and cyber misuse while ensuring citizens recover their valuable devices.