Shimla Police Sets Statewide Benchmark in Mobile Recovery Through Tech-Driven Policing
In a remarkable stride toward tech-enabled law enforcement, Shimla Police has emerged as Himachal Pradesh’s top performer in tracing and recovering lost or stolen mobile phones. Between January 1 and November 5, 2025, the district successfully traced 770 devices out of 1,262 reported cases, with 212 phones physically recovered — a recovery rate of 27.5%, the highest in the state.
This achievement, powered by the Department of Telecommunications’ Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), reflects a growing synergy between digital tools and grassroots policing. Leading the charge within the district was Jhakhari Police Station, boasting a 59.5% recovery rate, followed closely by Kupvi, Chirgaon, and New Shimla — each crossing the 50% mark. Sadar Police Station received the most blocking requests, totaling 257.
Behind this success is a dedicated Cyber Cell, leveraging data analytics and digital tracking to locate devices — some even traced across state borders to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Many of these recoveries were linked to serious crimes like cyber fraud and online exploitation, underscoring the broader impact of digital investigation on public safety.
Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi credited the accomplishment to continuous tech upskilling and a commitment to precision. “Mobile phones are no longer just gadgets — they’re identity-linked tools tied to financial and KYC platforms. Recovering them requires both technical expertise and patience,” he noted.
Shimla Police’s efforts were formally recognized at the Annual North Zone Conference on Telecom Security in Solan, where the Department of Telecommunications honoured the team for its exemplary use of CEIR and inter-agency coordination. Deputy Director General Sandeep Arya praised the district as a model for others to follow.
This milestone not only celebrates Shimla’s policing excellence but also highlights the transformative role of technology and collaboration in tackling digital and property crimes across Himachal Pradesh.
