Hyderabad residents find hope in social media for retrieving lost items-Telangana Today

In old city, social media helps residents recover lost items such as passports, phones, and vehicles. Through viral videos and citizen-driven efforts, people reconnect with their lost belongings, illustrating the power of digital platforms for positive change

Hyderabad: While social media platforms are becoming synonymous with unverified news content and hatred, there is also a positive side to them in the old city.

Consider this case: Mohammed Hanzala, a student and resident of Bazar Guard, lost his passport while on his way home from Malakpet after visiting an educational consultancy. “En route, I lost my passport and panicked. Soon, I made a video appealing to citizens to help me trace the passport. The message went viral, and after a few hours, I received a call from Abdul Khader, who handed it over to me,” said Hanzala.

Khader, a resident of Chanchalguda, found the passport on Chaderghat Road. “I came across the video on Instagram and contacted Hanzala over the phone. I met the family and handed over the travel document to Hanzala,” said Khader.

In recent times, several people distressed by losing their documents, mobile phones, and even two-wheelers in public places have found solace when good citizens returned them. “A few days ago, a couple of youngsters found a smartphone lying on Jahanuma Road. They made a video showing the gadget, and as soon as they posted it on social media, the message was amplified. The owner, who was searching for it, viewed the video and retrieved the phone,” said Mohd Imran, a resident of Jahanuma.

“Social media helped us track missing documents, phones, and vehicles. Sometimes, we ask people whose children go missing to make a video appeal. Due to social media outreach, people learn about it, and those who find the children reunite them with their parents,” said a Sub-Inspector from the Bandlaguda police station.

Previously, people had to run around police stations enquiring whether a good Samaritan had found and handed over their documents at the reception counter. “Now, people can make a video and share it on social media to inform about the find. It is advisable for those who find items in public places to take them to the police station to avoid later allegations from the owners,” advised the Sub-Inspector.