Ringing Bells- makers of the *world’s cheapest smartphone* Freedom251- has come under the scanner of excise and income tax departments. I-T Department is probing the financial structure of the company and has obtained documents, including those from the Registrar of Companies.
Telecom Ministry had sought clarification from company for marketing its mobile phone without a BIS certification.
Earlier the industry players too had complained against Ringing Bells to the Telecom Ministry to look deeper into the issue as debates around the feasibility of offering a mobile handset for Rs 251 had erupted. Ministry had directed UP government to confirm firm’s credentials.
“Yes, there was a visit from excise department and I-T Department. Since we are planning to achieve milestones under Make in India, Skill India and Startup India. They issued us some guidelines for future and extended full support and cooperation,” said Ashok Chaddha, President, Ringing Bells.
