New Delhi – One stolen mobile phone is recovered every minute in India thanks to the Sanchar Saathi platform, according to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Since its launch in May 2023, Sanchar Saathi has helped recover more than 600,000 lost and stolen mobile handsets, the DoT said on Tuesday. The platform allows citizens to block, trace and unblock phones across all Indian telecom networks.
The recovery rate has steadily increased over 2025, rising from 28,115 devices in January to 45,243 in August, marking a 61 percent increase over eight months, the department said.
Sanchar Saathi integrates telecom service providers with state and union territory police to track devices in real time. When a lost or stolen phone is reported, its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is blocked nationwide to prevent misuse. If a SIM card is inserted into the device, automated traceability is generated and alerts are sent to both the registered police station and the citizen who filed the complaint.
Field units of the DoT work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that recovered devices are returned to their rightful owners. Officials said the milestone reflects growing collaboration between authorities and citizens in securing digital assets and reinforces public trust in digital governance.
The platform has received over 190 million website visits and more than nine million mobile app downloads. The Sanchar Saathi app is available in Hindi, English and 21 regional languages to ensure accessibility across the country.
In addition to handset recovery, Sanchar Saathi offers other modules, including Chakshu for reporting suspected fraud communications, Know Your Mobile Connections to verify active SIMs, Device Authenticity Verification to check IMEI numbers, and tools to report suspicious international calls and access verified bank and financial institution contacts.
The DoT urged citizens to report lost or stolen handsets promptly using the portal or mobile app and to make use of the platform’s other digital safety tools to protect their devices and personal information.
