Recovery of Over 6 Lakh Lost and Stolen Mobile Handsets Under DoT’s Sanchar Saathi Initiative
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has achieved a remarkable milestone with its “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset” feature, part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative. This facility has successfully facilitated the recovery of over 600,000 lost and stolen mobile devices, reinforcing public trust in digital governance. By integrating real-time collaboration among telecom service providers and law enforcement, the initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ digital assets and combating cybercrime effectively.
Empowering Citizens Through Technology
The “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset” feature empowers users to report, block, trace, or unblock their lost or stolen mobile devices across all Indian telecom networks. Once a device is reported as lost or stolen, it is blocked across telecom networks nationwide to prevent misuse. If a SIM card is used in a blocked device, an automated traceability alert is generated, notifying both the citizen and the local police station where the report was filed. This system not only helps in tracking stolen devices but also provides citizens with essential contact details for the relevant police station via SMS, enhancing the overall recovery process.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
The DoT’s field units are actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies through various capacity-building initiatives. This partnership ensures that traced devices are efficiently recovered and returned to their rightful owners. The recovery rate has shown significant improvement, with monthly recoveries rising from 28,115 in January 2025 to 45,243 in August 2025, marking a 61% increase over eight months. This upward trend highlights the growing integration of the Sanchar Saathi platform with law enforcement and increased citizen awareness. The achievement of recovering over 600,000 devices signifies more than just numbers; it represents restored communication and enhanced digital security for countless families across India.
Contributing to a Secure Digital Ecosystem
The success of the Sanchar Saathi initiative aligns with the government’s vision of creating a secure digital ecosystem, where technology acts as a facilitator for citizen empowerment and safety. This initiative embodies the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, or citizen participation, in governance, showcasing how collaborative efforts among the government, technology, and citizens can yield meaningful results. Launched in May 2023, Sanchar Saathi has become India’s most comprehensive digital safety platform, recording over 190 million website visits and more than 9 million mobile app downloads. The platform offers various modules aimed at enhancing digital safety, including reporting suspected fraud communications, verifying active mobile connections, and checking device authenticity.
Accessibility and Ongoing Support
Sanchar Saathi is designed to be accessible to all citizens, recognizing India’s linguistic diversity. The mobile application is available in Hindi, English, and 21 regional languages, ensuring that users from various demographics can easily access government services. The DoT encourages citizens to report lost or stolen devices promptly through the Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile app. Additionally, users are urged to utilize the platform’s comprehensive safety tools for ongoing digital protection and to stay informed through real-time statistics available on the platform’s dashboard. The Sanchar Saathi mobile app can be downloaded from both Android and iOS platforms, providing users with a convenient way to access these essential services.
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