Amid all the controversies surrounding the 'world's cheapest smartphone' Noida based Ringing Bells, the maker of Freedom 251 has closed bookings for the device. “Till 11 am on Saturday, a total of 7.35 crore people have booked the `251 smartphone. We had to shut down online bookings because we are prepared to deliver only these many handsets,” said Mohit Kumar Goel, founder of Ringing Bells. Even as there is speculation that the company may actually not be capable delivering the device, Ringing Bells said it will begin delivering the handsets from April and expected to finish the process by the end of 2016. The company also clarified that the phone which was on display at the launch event was a prototype of what the handsets will look like and it is not the final piece.

The company also clarified that the phone which was on display at the launch event was a prototype of what the handsets will look like and it is not the final piece.

The device had ran into controversy after allegations that the so called 'make in India' phone was a re-branded Adcom phone.

Also read: How the company claims they can sell the phone at Rs 251.

Industry members have also complained against the company to the Telecom Ministry to dig deeper into the issue.

The ministry has sought a clarification from Ringing Bells for marketing its 'Freedom 251' mobile phone without a BIS certification and has also asked the Uttar Pradesh government to check the firm's credentials.

Besides, it has also come under the scanner of excise and income tax departments with the IT Department looking into the financial structure of the Noida-based company.