Agartala Police recovered 27 stolen mobile phones through CEIR tracking and traditional investigation. Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak urged citizens to stay alert against cyber fraud and avoid sharing OTPs. Victims welcomed the recovery initiative.
West Agartala Police have successfully recovered 27 stolen mobile phones in a coordinated effort combining advanced digital tracking tools and traditional investigative methods. The significant recovery, announced on Sunday, has brought relief to multiple theft victims across the district, showcasing the department’s growing efficiency in tackling mobile theft and cyber-enabled crimes.
A press briefing was held at the West Agartala Police Station where Superintendent of Police (SP) Namit Pathak addressed the media and detailed the operation. He stated that 22 of the 27 stolen devices were traced and retrieved through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, an important government platform designed specifically to track lost or stolen mobile phones using IMEI numbers. The CEIR portal has emerged as a powerful mechanism for law enforcement agencies across India, enabling them to block, track, and eventually recover stolen devices quickly.
Explaining the process, SP Pathak said that once a complaint is registered, the phone’s IMEI number is uploaded into the CEIR system. When the suspect or anyone attempts to use the device with a new SIM card, the system immediately alerts the police. This alert triggers a series of investigative steps that ultimately enable officers to trace the new user and recover the device. Pathak noted that this technology-driven approach has significantly reduced the time required to recover stolen items.
The remaining five mobile phones were recovered through conventional policing, which included door-to-door inquiries, surveillance checks, tracking suspected individuals, and follow-up operations in various parts of the district. Police officers involved in the recovery operation stated that these cases required careful analysis of movement patterns, coordination with informers, and monitoring of second-hand mobile markets where stolen phones are often resold.
During the briefing, SP Pathak emphasized the growing importance of public vigilance in preventing cybercrime and fraud-related theft. He issued a strong advisory urging citizens to remain alert and avoid sharing personal information or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with unknown callers. “Fraudsters frequently pose as bank representatives, telecom company staff, or e-commerce executives to deceive people. Sharing an OTP with an unknown person gives them immediate access to your financial accounts or digital identity,” he warned.
He further explained that many cybercriminals are now attempting to steal mobile phones not just for the device itself, but to gain access to sensitive data and financial applications stored on them. Therefore, safeguarding both the physical device and its digital contents has become extremely important. Pathak urged mobile users to secure their phones with strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and promptly file complaints if their phones go missing.
Following the recovery operation, the police organized a formal handover ceremony where the 27 stolen phones were returned to their rightful owners. Emotional and relieved, several victims expressed their gratitude to the police for their swift action and systematic follow-up. Many noted that they had lost hope of ever retrieving their devices, which contained important documents, personal photos, business contacts, and financial data.
The successful operation has strengthened public confidence in the West Agartala Police and highlighted their proactive approach in handling both cybercrime and conventional theft cases. With the increasing use of digital tools like the CEIR portal, the police expect to improve their recovery rates even further.
SP Pathak also announced additional initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber awareness and community policing. These include public workshops, awareness campaigns on social media, and collaboration with schools and organizations to educate citizens about cyber safety. “Our goal is not only to solve crimes but also to prevent them. A well-informed public is our strongest ally,” he said.
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The recovery of the 27 stolen phones marks yet another step forward in strengthening local law enforcement and promoting digital safety in Tripura’s capital region. As cybercrime continues to evolve, the West Agartala Police emphasize that public cooperation, timely reporting, and responsible digital practices remain essential for ensuring community safety.
