Nokia, the world's largest maker of mobile handsets blamed fake batteries and tampered cell phones for explosion in its mobiles, while advising that customers must always use original components.

"Every single incident is being investigated and almost all cases where explosion took place involve either fake batteries or their phones were tampered. We are doing our best to educate our customers about the disadvantages of using counterfeit accessories," D Shivakumar, managing director of Nokia India, said here.

The company's reaction follows after some incidents of Nokia mobile phones exploding were reported from states such as West Bengal and Gujarat in the past few days.

The Finnish company, which mustered support from the Cellular Operators Association (COAI) and Indian Cellular Association (ICA), also assured that all cases involving replacement of batteries covered under product advisory of August 14 would be resolved in the next 10-15 days.

COAI, a lobby of private GSM cellular players batted for Nokia, saying only in cases of counterfeit products such incidents were happening and sought government's intervention to protect consumers from using fake accessories.

"A mobile is as safe as any other consumer electronic device used at home. However, consumers need to be mindful and should follow steps advised by the manufacturers to ensure safety of their cell phones and longevity of the batteries," COAI director general T V Ramachandran said.

ICA also favoured rationalisation of duty structure for accessories. A fake battery is available in the market for as less as Rs 10 only compared to Rs 200 for an original mainly due to duty difference, ICA president Pankaj Mohindroo said.

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