Rayagada: Rayagada Police on Monday returned more than 100 stolen and missing mobile phones to their rightful owners after recovering them through a district-wide investigation assisted by the Cyber Cell.
The recovered mobile phones, belonging to complainants from various police station jurisdictions across Rayagada district, were handed over during a programme organised at the Police Reserve Ground under Chandili Police Station.
Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said the recoveries were made during the first phase of an investigation launched on the basis of complaints lodged at different police stations. After tracing and seizing the devices, the police verified the ownership documents of more than 100 claimants before returning the mobile phones to them.
The SP said the recovery drive is still underway and more stolen and missing mobile phones are expected to be traced and returned to their owners in the coming days.
He added that the police are also examining how the recovered phones were used after they were stolen or went missing. If any suspicious activity or illegal use is detected during the investigation, appropriate legal action will be initiated against those involved.
Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, the SP advised mobile phone users to strengthen the security of their devices by using available safety features and applications. He also urged citizens to make use of the Sanchar Saathi platform and other security applications and to cooperate with the police in preventing cyber-enabled crimes involving stolen mobile phones.
SDPO Gaurahari Sahu, Chandili IIC Uttam Kumar Sahu, Cyber Cell official Abhinash Reddy and other police personnel were present at the programme.
