Apple Watch stolen at Delhi Airport security — CISF recovered it but let the person go. What can I do next?

[User_61066819]

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User_61066819
PARTICIPANT
April 28, 2026 at 10:36 am

I’m looking for advice on what steps I can take after a really frustrating incident at Delhi Airport.

After completing security screening, I accidentally left my Apple Watch in the tray while collecting my belongings. Within moments, another passenger picked it up from my tray and walked away.

I immediately informed CISF personnel at the checkpoint. With their help, we tracked the watch’s location and identified that the person had already boarded a Chennai-bound flight. Two CISF officers went inside the aircraft and retrieved my Apple Watch from that individual.

However, here’s the part that’s bothering me — the person who took my watch was *not detained or questioned further* and was allowed to continue their journey. No formal action seemed to be taken against them.

I’m now planning to file a police complaint, but I’m unsure:

* Can any legal action still be taken against that person?
* Should CISF have detained them in this situation?
* What’s the best way to ensure this complaint is taken seriously (FIR vs email vs in-person)?
* Has anyone dealt with something similar at airports in India?

Would really appreciate any guidance on how to proceed or escalate this properly.

Update –
Thanks for all the replies :
I filed a formal complaint on 100 – got a callback from SI of Palam airprt police station. He asked to write an email stating everything about the incident and he’ll discuss this with his senior whether they can do anything on this.
It’s been 3 days but no response from them.

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