Digital rescue: DU professor tracks stolen laptop, recovers six years of PhD work

What began as a routine evening near Delhi University’s North Campus turned into a moment of panic for an assistant professor when thieves smashed her car window and fled with a bag containing her laptop and years of research. Hours later, aided by a tracking application and a risky search, she managed to recover it.

The incident took place on a busy stretch of Bungalow Road near North Campus, where the professor had parked her car while visiting the area with her husband. According to her account shared on social media, the laptop contained nearly six years of her PhD work.

The professor, who teaches at Maitreyi College and is pursuing her doctorate from Delhi University, said the theft occurred while they were away for a few hours. They had first gone for academic work on campus and later headed to the Kamala Nagar market. After parking their car on the roadside, the couple went to a restaurant and later to a jewellery store.

They chose to travel by rickshaw instead of walking, which meant they did not pass by their parked vehicle during that time. When they returned, they found the driver’s side window shattered.

She described the moment as shocking. Passersby gathered around the damaged car, while the couple tried to assess the loss. The professor said her bag, which contained the laptop, was missing. Her wallet and an air purifier kept inside the vehicle had also been stolen.

The loss of the laptop caused immediate distress. The device contained years of academic work related to her PhD. She later said she was worried about how she would explain the loss of such crucial data. The couple informed the police soon after discovering the theft.

What followed was an unexpected turn. After leaving the police station, they stopped at a petrol pump. It was there that the professor checked her phone and used a tracking application linked to her laptop. The device showed a fixed location where it had remained for some time.

Despite concerns over safety, the couple decided to go to the location indicated on the app. Upon reaching the area, they spoke to local residents. According to the professor, one neighbour informed them that a few young men lived nearby. Another person reportedly said that the individuals had a criminal background.

With the help of locals, they reached the terrace area of the building. The professor said her husband spotted the suspects attempting to hide the stolen bag on a different terrace. The suspects moved away after noticing his presence. The professor said she was able to recover her bag, including the laptop. She also found other items that appeared to be stolen. Police were informed again and reached the spot. The suspects were detained, according to her account.