Surat – In response to a surge in mobile theft and related crimes, the Police Commissioner of Surat City, Ajay Kumar Tomar, has issued new guidelines for the buying and selling of mobile phones and SIM cards. Under the new regulations, dealers must record the full name, address, and ID proof of both the buyer and seller for all transactions involving new or old mobile phones. Legal action will be taken against any dealer who fails to comply with these requirements.
Mobile theft has been a long-standing issue in Surat, with numerous complaints registered daily. The police have ramped up efforts to trace stolen mobiles and dismantle the networks responsible. The new regulations are intended to provide additional tools to combat this issue.
In addition to mobile phone sales, the new guidelines also apply to the purchase and sale of SIM cards. Dealers must register the buyer's identity, proof of identity, SIM card number, and company details for all transactions.
For direct sales of mobile phones between individuals, the buyer and seller must provide their full names and keep a copy of the transaction details. Another copy must be submitted to the nearest police station. Violators of this order may face legal consequences.
The new guidelines were prompted by a recent police raid in Janta Market, the city's largest mobile buying and selling hub. A team of over 100 officers and personnel conducted the raid, scrutinizing old mobile sales data from various traders. Many were found to be dealing in old mobiles without proper records, leading to the implementation of these new regulations.
The Surat Police Commissioner believes these measures will help curtail the sale of stolen mobile phones and reduce mobile theft incidents across the city. By enforcing proper documentation and accountability, the police aim to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen devices and evade detection.
Traders, dealers, and citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and ensure compliance to avoid legal repercussions. The Surat Police Department hopes that these regulations will lead to a safer environment for mobile phone users and significantly decrease the rate of theft and associated crimes in the city.
