Delhi Police has recovered and returned more than 1,600 lost and stolen mobile phones to their owners under Operation Vishwas, using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system to track devices. The phones were handed over during a programme held on International Day of Older Persons, with more than 100 people attending to collect their devices.
The recovery operation was conducted by the Delhi Police units responsible for railway stations, the metro and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. A large number of the recipients were senior citizens. The programme was chaired by Rajnesh Gupta, joint commissioner of police for the Transport Range.
According to Delhi Police, the IMEI number of a lost or stolen phone is blocked through the CEIR portal. If another person inserts a new SIM card and begins using the device, the system generates an alert. Police teams then use the information to trace and recover the phone before handing it back to the verified owner.
The event also highlighted support services available to older passengers at railway stations. Delhi Police said its personnel assist senior citizens with their luggage, help them reach their train coaches and support efforts to locate missing family members when required.
The programme coincided with the first day of the cyber-awareness month, during which residents were advised to report suspicious calls and messages through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform. Police also asked people facing financial fraud to call 1930 immediately and file a complaint on the national cybercrime portal.
Residents were advised not to click on unknown links or download unfamiliar APK files. Delhi Police specifically warned against ZIP files sent in the name of the Reserve Bank of India or banks, saying such files may contain malware capable of compromising computers and WhatsApp accounts. The recovered phones were handed over after verification of the claimants and their ownership.
