Manipal: In a significant breakthrough, Manipal Police successfully recovered 18 stolen mobile phones valued at around Rs 3.5 lakh through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. The investigation stemmed from a case registered at Manipal Police Station on December 16, following the theft of Dianjali's mobile phone on November 5 and her friend's device on November 27 in Iswara Nagar.

Using the CEIR portal, law enforcement identified that the stolen phones were in use by an unidentified individual. Subsequently, a targeted operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the accused, Dixit (27), from Arur village. Dixit was presented before the court, and six stolen mobile phones were seized from various locations within the Manipal police station jurisdiction.

Urging the public to report lost mobile phones on the CEIR portal, Dr. K. Arun, SP, Udupi, emphasized the significance of this initiative in aiding the police to locate and prevent the misuse of lost devices. This successful recovery highlights the effectiveness of technology in supporting law enforcement efforts against mobile phone theft.

Udupi District Additional SP, Siddhalingappa ST, officially handed over the recovered devices to their rightful owners at Manipal police station on Saturday. 

The operation, led by Manipal Police Inspector Devaraja TV, involved dedicated efforts from SSI Raghavendra C, Akshaya Kumari, SSI Vivekananda B., and other staff members.