Lucknow — In one of India’s most ambitious pushes against cyber-enabled crime, telecom authorities in Uttar Pradesh have blocked nearly a quarter of a million stolen or lost mobile phones, part of a wider campaign to disrupt fraud and digital misuse.
The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched by the Department of Telecommunications in May 2023, has already blocked 245,083 mobile phones in the state. Authorities have successfully traced 154,649 devices and recovered 47,274 handsets, handing them back to users.
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Officials emphasize that the initiative is not just about recovering lost property, but dismantling the broader ecosystem of fraud. Once a device is reported on the portal with its unique IMEI number, the phone is swiftly blocked across all Indian networks, leaving little scope for resale.
“The real aim is to ensure stolen devices cannot fuel cybercrime,” said a senior telecom official overseeing the project. “By cutting them off from networks, we stop their use in identity fraud, phishing, and other illegal activities.”
How the System Works
Victims can report theft or loss directly through sancharsaathi.gov.in. Once details such as IMEI number, brand, model, location, and a police FIR are uploaded, the device is immediately blacklisted.
If the blocked phone attempts to reconnect on any network, the system notifies both telecom providers and police, enabling targeted recovery.
Expert Concerns
Cybercrime specialists warn that stolen smartphones often end up in sophisticated criminal chains. Beyond the immediate financial loss, such devices can be exploited for fraud, impersonation, and large-scale scams.
“A stolen mobile phone is not just a gadget loss — it can become a weapon in the hands of criminals,” said Professor Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and noted cybercrime expert. “From unauthorized access to banking apps, to misuse of personal data or SIM swapping, the dangers are immense. Swift blocking reduces the risk, but public awareness and timely reporting are equally critical.”
The Road Ahead
Despite promising numbers, challenges remain. While hundreds of thousands of devices have been blocked, only a small fraction have been physically recovered. Experts argue for tighter inter-state policing, quicker integration of FIR systems, and regular awareness campaigns to ensure citizens use the portal promptly.
For India — where smartphones have become central to finance, communication, and identity verification — Sanchar Saathi represents a crucial shield. But experts caution: technology alone cannot solve the problem without vigilant citizens and stronger cyber-policing.