Ringing Bells ex-boss sent to 14-day custody
GHAZIABAD: A Ghaziabad court on Saturday sent Mohit Goel, former managing director of Ringing Bells, to judicial custody at Dasna jail till March 10, rejecting the bail plea submitted by his lawyer. A fresh bail petition will be filed at the Sessions court on Monday.
Goel was arrested by Ghaziabad police on Thursday night after an FIR was lodged against him and four others by the company’s distributor Akshay Malhotra, who claimed that Goel’s firm owed him ₹16 lakh and failed to pay it despite repeated reminders.
“During argument, we maintained that there was dishonest intention from the beginning as the company showed dreams of ‘Digital India’, which is originally a scheme by the central government. The accused also resigned as MD of the company six months back,” said Ramesh Chand Saini, prosecution officer.
Ringing Bells shot to limelight after it offered smartphones at an unbelievable price of ₹251.
The arguments were opposed by defence lawyer DM Bhalla, who said if the company offered mobile phones at ₹251 apiece, this would not amount to cheating and would empower people.
“We had no ill intention,” said Bhalla, who on Saturday produced a cheque and said the balance of ₹4 lakh would be paid in cash.