The launch of the Freedom 251 in 2016 stirred massive excitement across India, as it promised a fully functional smartphone for just ₹251 — less than the cost of a basic feature phone. Marketed as a step towards “Digital India” and empowerment of the common man, the phone was showcased with nationalistic fervor, featuring the tricolor in promotional material and invoking slogans aligned with government initiatives. However, cracks began to appear soon after its unveiling. Only a handful of poorly built phones were ever shipped, and complaints about delayed deliveries, lack of customer service, and suspicious business practices began flooding in.
As the controversy deepened, it became evident that the entire venture was a well-orchestrated scam. The company behind the phone, Ringing Bells, headed by Mohit Goel, had allegedly collected crores in pre-orders and bulk payments from distributors but failed to deliver the promised devices. Investigations revealed gross financial irregularities and fraudulent intentions, leading to Goel’s arrest in 2017. He spent six months in jail, and Ringing Bells subsequently disappeared from the tech and business landscape. The estimated ₹20 crore scam left thousands of customers and retailers cheated, with no restitution or updates even as of 2025.
In the aftermath, social media users drew comparisons between the emotional manipulation used in the Freedom 251 scam and the political rhetoric of larger institutions. One netizen pointedly remarked, “Just like the BJP, they used the feeling of nationalism to scam crores of people.” This comment reflects a growing disillusionment among sections of the public who feel that appeals to patriotism are increasingly being weaponized to divert attention from deceitful or exploitative behavior. Whether in tech or politics, the use of nationalist sentiments as a shield for unethical actions continues to be a topic of public scrutiny and debate.
As the controversy deepened, it became evident that the entire venture was a well-orchestrated scam. The company behind the phone, Ringing Bells, headed by Mohit Goel, had allegedly collected crores in pre-orders and bulk payments from distributors but failed to deliver the promised devices. Investigations revealed gross financial irregularities and fraudulent intentions, leading to Goel’s arrest in 2017. He spent six months in jail, and Ringing Bells subsequently disappeared from the tech and business landscape. The estimated ₹20 crore scam left thousands of customers and retailers cheated, with no restitution or updates even as of 2025.
In the aftermath, social media users drew comparisons between the emotional manipulation used in the Freedom 251 scam and the political rhetoric of larger institutions. One netizen pointedly remarked, “Just like the BJP, they used the feeling of nationalism to scam crores of people.” This comment reflects a growing disillusionment among sections of the public who feel that appeals to patriotism are increasingly being weaponized to divert attention from deceitful or exploitative behavior. Whether in tech or politics, the use of nationalist sentiments as a shield for unethical actions continues to be a topic of public scrutiny and debate.
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