LUCKNOW, July 29 -- A simple question from cautious buyers, "Where's the bill?", helped Lucknow Police crack the alleged theft of 40 smartphones from a mobile shop in Kakori. Investigators traced returned handsets through their IMEI numbers, leading to the arrest of two accused and recovery of some of the stolen devices. The burglary allegedly took place on July 23 after thieves broke open the shutter of a mobile phone shop in Kakori and fled with 40 smartphones. Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation. According to police, the breakthrough came after the stolen handsets were uploaded on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. As some of the phones became active, investigators tracked them through their IMEI numbers and contacted the users. "When questioned, the buyers said they had purchased the phones from one of the accused but became suspicious after he failed to provide purchase bills. Fearing the phones were stolen, they returned the devices," said deputy commissioner of police (West) Kamlesh Dixit. The buyers' statements led police to the alleged sellers, resulting in the arrest of Ajit Yadav (20) and Pawan Kumar (26) near the Kathingra underpass on Tuesday, the DCP said. Police recovered 10 smartphones, an earbud, a power bank, Rs.5,005 in cash and a motorcycle allegedly used in the burglary. During interrogation, Ajit allegedly confessed to his role in the break-in, while Pawan allegedly told investigators he had received 25 smartphones from Ajit and another associate, Ajay, to sell. He allegedly sold 10 before Ajay took back the remaining devices. Efforts are on to recover the remaining stolen smartphones and arrest Ajay, who is absconding. htc...