Bhubaneswar, Jul 21: Commissionerate Police on Monday returned around 380 stolen and lost mobile phones to their rightful owners during a special handover programme, while intensifying its investigation into an alleged inter-state mobile theft racket.

Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said many of the recovered phones were stolen in Puri. According to the investigation, one of the accused allegedly stole several mobile phones in Puri before travelling to Bhubaneswar with the intention of leaving for West Bengal.

The accused has since been arrested in connection with the theft cases. Police believe the recovery of such a large number of mobile phones points to the possible involvement of an organised inter-state gang operating across multiple districts.

Investigators are now working to identify other members of the network and trace how the stolen devices were transported to Bhubaneswar before being recovered. A detailed probe is underway, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “We are handing over around 380 mobile phones today, which we recovered over the last few days. About a week ago, we busted a gang from Asansol, West Bengal, and arrested several members, including some women. Around 50 mobile phones were recovered from that gang.”

Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant, safeguard their belongings during crowded events, and promptly report incidents of mobile phone theft or loss to help facilitate timely recovery.