Patna: Police in Patna have recovered and returned 100 lost and stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners as part of a special initiative known as Operation Muskaan. The devices, estimated to be worth around Rs 20 lakh, were handed over during a formal event led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K Sharma.
Officials said the phones were traced using technical analysis, IMEI tracking and electronic surveillance. The process allowed investigators to identify the devices and verify ownership through police databases. Teams from multiple police stations coordinated to locate and recover the phones before returning them to the public.
Sharma said addressing public complaints and ensuring timely solutions remains a priority for the police. He described Operation Muskaan as an initiative designed not only to recover stolen property but also to rebuild confidence in law enforcement. He added that the use of technology has significantly improved the police’s ability to trace missing electronic devices.
For many residents, the recovery brought unexpected relief. Several recipients said they had little hope of seeing their phones again and expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts. The return of the devices, officials said, also contained valuable personal and professional data that might otherwise have been permanently lost.
Police confirmed that Operation Muskaan will continue in the future, with authorities urging residents to report lost or stolen phones without delay. Early reporting, they said, increases the chances of recovery through technical tracking and surveillance, and helps police respond more effectively to theft and loss cases.
