World’s cheapest smartphone is again here in controversies, as Noida Police has filed an FIR against the owner of Ringing Bells by the BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.
The case was registered under Section 420 (cheating) of IPC and the IT Act on Tuesday against Mohit Goel and company president, Ashok Chaddha for not fulfilling their promises to their customers.
Recently, the firm had offered pre-bookings for its highly pocket-friendly smartphone, Freedom 251, at a price of Rs. 251 only. However, the company has later decided to refund the previously received amount at the time of pre-orders; and requested the consumers to pay for the handset at the time of delivery.
While, the BJP leader said in his complaint that it wasn’t feasible to manufacture a smartphone, which was being sold at Rs. 251. Therefore, he alleged that the owner is fooling the people.
“Primary investigation found the matter fit for FIR. A case has been lodged and a team has been constituted to investigate the case,” SSP, S Kiran said.
“We have asked the company to submit documents required for the investigation,” said DSP Anup Singh. On the other hand, the company has apologised for the inconvenience caused to its customers and said that it will cooperate with the police during the investigation.
“We remain committed to cooperating with any government agency that may require inquiring our organisation for any reason or suspicion.”
“I do maintain that we will deliver the most-affordable quality products to our customers through our various range of smartphones, including the Freedom 251,” Mohit Goel said.
In a statement, Ringing Bells Managing Director Mohit Goel said, “In Freedom 251, as presented to several authorities and agencies, and explained at our various forums, we are able to price our product at lower than production cost due to innovative e-commerce cross promotions and we will complete delivery of the quantities as committed by June 30, 2016.”
With inputs from PTI
