In a remarkable leap for India’s digital security landscape, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has successfully helped recover over 6 lakh lost and stolen mobile phones through its ambitious initiative — ‘Sanchar Saathi’.
Launched in May 2023, this initiative stands as a shining example of how technology, transparency, and teamwork can outpace cybercriminals and restore citizens’ trust in digital systems.
“Now, losing a mobile phone isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning of an investigation,”
said a senior official, adding that “every device’s data now acts as its own shield.”
Technology That Redefines Digital Safety
At the heart of ‘Sanchar Saathi’ lies CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) — a powerful national database that tracks every mobile device by its IMEI number.
Once a phone is reported lost or stolen, the system blocks its IMEI, rendering it useless across all mobile networks — making illegal resale nearly impossible.
The initiative also integrates two crucial features:
TAFCOP: Allows users to verify how many SIM cards are registered under their name.
KYM (Know Your Mobile): Lets consumers check whether a mobile phone is genuine or stolen before buying it.
Collaboration that Powers Results
The success of this program is not just about algorithms — it’s a story of collective effort.
Police departments across states, telecom operators, and smartphone manufacturers have joined hands, creating a real-time recovery network.
In several states, police units launched special drives using ‘Sanchar Saathi’ data, leading to large-scale recoveries and returning phones to rightful owners.
A New Era of Digital Security
‘Sanchar Saathi’ has instilled confidence among citizens that Digital India is not only smart but also secure.
The government plans to expand this platform further, integrating it deeply into the lives of every mobile user — from urban metros to rural towns.
“Every lost phone is now just one click away,”
states a recent report from the Department of Telecommunications.
More than just a story of recovered phones, ‘Sanchar Saathi’ marks a major step toward a digitally empowered and self-reliant India — a nation where technology safeguards both data and trust.
