![Complaint Format of Stolen Mobile Phone to SHO of Police Station [2 PDF]](/uploads/2024/07/Complaint-Format-of-Stolen-Mobile-Phone-to-SHO-of-Police-Station.webp)
Last updated: July 2026 · Reflects the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and current cyber-crime reporting procedure.
In short: if your phone is lost or stolen, do two things at once — file a complaint with the police (a written complaint to the SHO, or an e-FIR where available), and block the handset’s IMEI on the Government of India’s CEIR portal so the phone cannot be used on any network. The police complaint number is required to complete the IMEI block.
Key facts
- Every phone has a unique IMEI number — blocking it stops the handset from working on any Indian network, even with a new SIM.
- You block a lost/stolen phone’s IMEI on the CEIR portal (ceir.gov.in), run by the Department of Telecommunications.
- The Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) lets you block, trace and later unblock a lost device.
- You need a police complaint / FIR number and your phone bill or IMEI to complete the block.
- If the phone had banking or UPI apps, treat it as a financial risk too — block those apps and inform your bank.
Step 1 — File a police complaint
Report the loss or theft to your local police station. Many states allow an online “lost report” or e-FIR for a lost phone; a theft usually needs an FIR. Keep the complaint / FIR number — you will need it for the IMEI block and for any insurance claim.
Step 2 — Block the IMEI on CEIR
- Find your IMEI (on the box, the original bill, or by dialling *#06# before it was lost).
- Go to the CEIR portal and choose “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile”.
- Enter the device details, the place and date of loss, and the police complaint number, and upload the complaint copy.
- Once blocked, the handset cannot be used on any network in India. You can request unblocking later if the phone is recovered.
Step 3 — Protect your accounts
- Remotely log out and, if possible, wipe the device.
- Block your SIM with the operator and get a replacement.
- Change passwords for email, banking and UPI, and inform your bank if financial apps were installed.
Complaint format to the SHO (structure)
A stolen-phone complaint to the SHO should include: the date, time and place of the theft/loss; the make, model and IMEI number of the phone; the mobile number and SIM operator; a brief description of how it was lost or stolen; and a request to register the complaint and provide a copy for the CEIR block and insurance. Address it to the SHO of the police station having jurisdiction, and keep an acknowledged copy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I block a stolen phone without an FIR?
You need a police complaint reference to complete the CEIR block. Many states accept an online lost report or e-FIR for a lost phone, which provides that reference.
What is the difference between blocking the SIM and blocking the IMEI?
Blocking the SIM stops your number; blocking the IMEI disables the handset itself on all networks, even with a different SIM. Do both.
What if my phone had my banking apps?
Treat it as a financial emergency: block the SIM and apps, change passwords, and inform your bank. A stolen phone with active banking access is a serious risk.
Can I unblock the phone if I find it?
Yes. The CEIR / Sanchar Saathi portal allows you to request unblocking of a recovered device.
Get your account reviewed by Advocate Sudhir Rao
A frozen account is time-sensitive: the sooner the lien is traced and a representation filed, the faster it is released. As an Advocate practising before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court and the District Courts across Delhi NCR, I help clients trace which cyber cell holds the lien, file the right representation, and — where police delay — approach the court.
Consultations are confidential and privileged. Call +91 97295 06771 or book a consultation.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an advocate–client relationship. Procedures and statutory provisions can change; your specific facts should be checked with counsel.
Facing a similar matter? Speak to a Delhi criminal defence lawyer — Advocate Sudhir Rao appears in bail, trial and appellate matters before the Delhi District Courts, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.