Not received memo for handing over stolen device to police

503 votes

In good faith by cooperating with the police and getting a refund from the seller, but not receiving a seizure memo or formal acknowledgment when handing over the phone is a valid concern. Under criminal procedure (such as Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 / Section 102 of the CrPC), police are required to issue a seizure or property receipt when taking possession of suspected stolen property. To protect yourself from potential liability regarding stolen property (such as under Section 317 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 / Section 411 of the IPC for retaining stolen property), you should formally request a written receipt or seizure memo containing the phone's IMEI number, preserve all transaction proofs and chat history from OLX, and consult a local criminal lawyer if the police refuse to provide documentation.

Advocate Jagriti Sanghi LawRato