Police delay filing of theft FIRs

 

But police officials say that an FIR is registered in all cases. However, there will be a delay of a day or two if there is a possibility of tracing the stolen gadgets before registering the FIR. 

 

The National Telecom Policy 2012 established a property registry for addressing security, theft and other concerns including reprogramming of mobile handsets. Millions of SIMs and cellphones are in circulation throughout the country and it’s the responsibility of the individual to stop its misuse by anti-social elements. 

 

The policy says that individuals must file an FIR or report the loss of the mobile phone to prevent its misuse. A few months ago an advisory was issued for the compulsory registration of FIRs under Section 154 if the information makes out a cognisable offence.

 

Police officials said they register FIRs in all cases if mobile phone thefts. Officials said the police officer who keeps the phone number on tracking contacts the service providers and ascertains user details of the number and the handset on which it is activated and visits the address mentioned in the subscriber form. 

 

The IMEI number of a stolen mobile phone is available only with service providers and using that the location of the user can be traced. Zonal Integrated Police Network (ZIPNET) provides IMEI numbers of stolen mobile handsets. 

 

Officials say there are sign boards in police stations to create awareness in citizens about the need for lodging complaints. But complainants allege that cops don't take mobile theft or missing cases seriously. "It's been a week now since I lodged a complaint of my stolen mobile.

 

I have not received an FIR copy or was informed about the status of the complaint," said Mr Sandeep Kumar, a complainant. When we contacted the police station where he lodged the complaint officials said they asked him for the IMEI number but he didn't return.