Pune: Vishrantwadi police successfully recovered and returned 40 stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners. The mobile phones, which were reported missing from crowded areas like markets and during travel, were tracked using their IMEI numbers.

Citizens often lose their mobile phones while traveling or shopping in markets. Thieves take advantage of crowded situations to steal these devices.

After losing their phones, citizens typically file a complaint. Vishrantwadi police compiled a list of the missing phones and initiated a technical investigation based on the IMEI numbers. It was discovered that the stolen phones had been sold in other states.

The police contacted the individuals using the stolen phones and warned them of legal action if the phones were not returned. Subsequently, the users surrendered the phones at the Vishrantwadi police station.

The police then contacted the complainants to verify ownership. The phones were handed back to their owners on Monday (August 19), coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival, adding to the joyous occasion.

The citizens expressed their gratitude and relief, as recovering a stolen phone is usually considered a rare outcome. The phones were handed over to the complainants by Police Deputy Commissioner of Zone IV, Himmat Jadhav.

Other officers involved in the operation included Assistant Commissioner Anuja Deshmane, Senior Police Inspector of Vishrantwadi Police Station Kanchan Jadhav, Sub-Inspectors Nitin Rathod, Baban Wanwe, Yashwant Kirve, Vaman Sawant, Amjad Sheikh, Sampat Bhosle, Sanjay Badre, Sandeep Devkate, Kishor Bhusare, and Akshay Chapate.

The police have urged citizens to file online complaints through Pune Police’s ‘Lost and Found’ website if they lose their mobile phones.