New Delhi: Two days after hogging global limelight with the “launch” of its ultra cheap phone, Noida-based handset maker Ringing Bells attracted the attention of income-tax department on Friday.
According to some reports, a three-member had grilled Ringing Bells officials as it was alleged that the company was selling the phone at a huge discount of nearly 90 per cent.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, a phone with similar features will cost at least Rs 2,300 plus taxes.
Trouble for the new handset maker does not seem to end with the income-tax raids as the Uttar Pradesh police is reported to have gone to the office of the Ringing Bells to check company’s credentials.
According to reports, UP police wants to ensure that the company is not operating a Ponzi scheme in the form of Freedom 251 phone. The UP police has also reportedly asked the promoters to surrender their passports.
However, the company maintains that it will deliver on its promise. The company may also land in trouble as the telecom ministry appears to have sought a clarification from the Ringing Bells promoters for marketing the phone with BIS certifications.
“Telecom ministry called clarification for marketing without BIS certifications,” tweeted BJP’s Lok Sabha MP Kirit Somaiya.
He has also asked the telecom ministry and regulator Trai to probe into the “abnormal and unusual offer” of Ringing Bells to sell its smartphone at Rs 251.
He asked them to check company’s authenticity and the objective of its offer and also check if it is a ponzi scheme. Mr Somaiya said that Trai chairman and telecom ministry assured him of taking appropriate steps. The BJP MP advised buyers to check twice before falling for company’s offer.
