Ringing Bells ex-boss sent to 14-day custody

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 maintained there has been no ill intention by the company or its officials. Several ministers attended the company’s event and the photographs were used by it. This does not amount to cheating. We were ready to pay up the pending amount of ₹16 lakh to the complainant during the hearing on Friday. Malhotra too said that if paid, he has no objection,” Bhalla said.

“We had no ill intention. We provided him goods and even returned a part amount. The FIR concealed an agreement signed by Goel along with Malhotra in January. A case of forgery was made out against Goel as police could not produce any documentary evidence,” said Bhalla, who on Saturday produced a cheque and said the balance of ₹4 lakh would be paid in cash.

The initial FIR against Goel and four others included sections of forgery, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Malhotra during Saturday’s hearing, said there had been no settlement (for ₹16 lakh balance) as yet.

The court on Saturday said that probe under sections of 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) was pending and dismissed his bail plea.