Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone? UP DIG Kalanidhi Naithani Shares a Key Trick You Must Know

Meerut: The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal of the Department of Telecommunications is rapidly emerging as one of the most effective tools for resolving mobile theft and loss complaints. According to the October 2025 performance assessment, Bulandshahr district has secured the 8th position in Uttar Pradesh for its remarkable work on the CEIR portal. The ranking was released by the Director (DIU), DoT, UP East LSA.

DIG Meerut Range Kalanidhi Naithani highlighted that the CEIR portal is crucial for tracking and recovering stolen or lost mobile phones. It connects directly with telecom service providers across the country, enabling real-time mobile location tracking based on IMEI numbers.

How the CEIR Portal Works

1. Filing the Complaint

Once a mobile phone is lost or stolen, its details, including IMEI, must be registered on the CEIR portal under the “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile” option.
Required documents:

• FIR or police complaint number
• Identity proof
• Purchase invoice of the device

The complainant may file directly on the CEIR website or lodge a report at the nearest police station.

2. IMEI Blocking Within 24 Hours

After registration, the information is sent to all telecom operators within 24 hours. They then block the IMEI, preventing the device from catching any network even if a new SIM card is inserted.

3. Tracing Begins When Someone Tries to Use It

If anyone attempts to use the stolen phone with a new SIM, the telecom company immediately uploads a traceability report on the CEIR portal.
This report contains:

• Phone number used
• Location details
• Time and date of usage
• Telecom circle information

4. Quick Police Action

On receiving the traceability report, the police contact the number found using the stolen device. After verification, recovery action is taken and updated on the portal.

5. IMEI Unblocking After Recovery

Once the device is recovered, the details are updated on the CEIR system so that the IMEI can be unblocked and the rightful owner can resume use.

Important Instructions Issued by DIG Naithani

• Each police station must appoint a nodal officer for CEIR operations.
• Special training should be provided to the teams managing the portal.
• A Mobile Recovery Cell should be created at the district level to monitor daily progress.
• Every complaint must be uploaded on the portal within 24 hours.
• All IMEI-based tracking attempts should be documented.
• Public awareness campaigns should be conducted through social media, newspapers, and community events.
• Police teams performing exceptionally well should be rewarded.
• Accountability must be fixed in cases of negligence.

Faster Mobile Recovery with CEIR

DIG Naithani emphasized that the CEIR portal has significantly sped up the recovery of lost or stolen mobiles. With consistent daily traceability checks at each police station, most missing mobiles can be recovered quickly. He added that the system not only provides timely relief to victims but also helps curb mobile theft incidents effectively.