New Delhi, August 28: The government’s citizen-focused Sanchar Saathi initiative has crossed a major milestone by helping recover more than 75,000 lost and stolen mobile handsets across the country in a single month.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia welcomed the achievement and credited the coordinated efforts of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), telecom service providers and police departments of states and Union Territories.The latest figure represents the first time that monthly recoveries through the Sanchar Saathi system have crossed the 75,000 mark since the platform was launched.
The Department of Telecommunications has been strengthening the system by incorporating feedback from citizens and other stakeholders. One of the improvements enables citizens to receive traceability information through SMS, email and the Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile application, including details of the police station concerned.
Police authorities can also receive information about SIM cards being used in reported lost or stolen handsets, including alternative mobile numbers where available. This information can assist investigations and improve the prospects of recovering the devices.
Citizens whose handsets are recovered are also advised through SMS to carry out a factory reset before using the device again as a precaution against possible malicious software.The recovery process is supported by the DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit and its regional Licensed Service Area units, which work in coordination with state and Union Territory police forces to trace devices and facilitate their return to their rightful owners.
Government data indicates that monthly mobile handset recoveries increased by 201 per cent between April 2025 and July 2026.Sanchar Saathi allows citizens to report lost or stolen phones through its web portal or mobile application.
Once reported, a handset can be blocked from use on Indian telecom networks, reducing the risk of misuse.If someone subsequently attempts to use a blocked handset, the activity can be detected by the network and relevant information can be shared with the reporting citizen and the concerned police authorities.
This helps law-enforcement agencies trace the device and pursue its recovery.The latest achievement reflects the use of automated digital systems, real-time device traceability and closer coordination between telecommunications authorities and law-enforcement agencies.
The government has encouraged citizens to use Sanchar Saathi to report lost or stolen mobile phones as part of efforts to protect digital assets and strengthen citizen-focused digital services.
