Office woes, the latest in Freedom 251-maker Ringing Bells' long list of controversies

Ever since Ringing Bells announced the launch of the Rs 251 Freedom 251 smartphone last month, the company has been embroiled in a long string of controversies.

After being questioned over the price of the phone by customers and also the government, accused of cheating and fraud by its customer service provider, and having faced queries by the Income-Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over its financial structure, the Noida-based company now has been reported to be not conducting its operations from its registered office.

Ringing Bells, reportedly, is shutting down its office in Noida, as there is a dispute over the land it is built on. But the company has moved itself away from this controversy saying that the dispute is between their landlord and the Noida Authority, and the company has nothing to do with the dispute.

"While speculation is rife regarding the legitimacy of our occupying the premises we operate from, i.e., our corporate office at B-44, Sector 63, Noida 201301 in Uttar Pradesh, we wish to make it clear that the current dispute regarding the nature of business conducted at the property is between Noida authority and our landlord. It is our humble request not to drag us in any controversy," said Ringing Bells in a statement.

If reports are to be believed, the Noida Authority has issues with the landlord of Ringing Bells for renting out an industrial plot to the company to be used as a commercial office, without necessary permissions.

The company may shift to a new location if the the landlord fails to resolve issues with the Noida Authority.

ED recently issued directives to
companies holding the money on behalf of Ringing Bells not to release the funds until phones reach the customers. The directives under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) has been issued to Pay U Money and CC Avenues India Ltd.

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