In an unusual incident in Ambattur, Chennai, frustration over unresolved service issues led an angry Ather electric scooter owner to set his vehicle on fire.
The owner Parthasarathy, a resident of Thirumullaivayal, took this extreme step after alleging improper servicing of repeated complaints related to his Ather scooter.
A video of the incident went viral, showing Parthasarathy speaking to the police and a woman trying to calm him down. His complaints drew attention and criticism of the service center. The growing crowd and traffic jam led to police stepping in to restore order.
Customers damaging Ather scooters out of anger over their pathetic service is not just alarming—it’s disgraceful. When paired with Ather fire fears, the company and authorities need to act immediately.@atherenergy @tarunsmehta@thanthitv @morthindia pic.twitter.com/7kFu2ijjz2
— Pappu Ram Mundru INC (@PRMundru) November 28, 2024
Repeated Issues Since Purchase
Parthasarathy had purchased his Ather electric scooter for Rs 1.80 lakh, hoping for a reliable and hassle-free experience. Unfortunately, he claimed the scooter developed persistent problems right from the beginning.
Despite visiting the service center multiple times to get these issues addressed, the owner alleged that his concerns were never resolved. The frustration over ineffective servicing eventually led him to take a drastic step to make his voice heard.
To express his frustration, Parthasarathy took his scooter to the Ather showroom and set it on fire. Nearby people quickly stepped in to put out the flames before things got out of hand. This unusual act drew a lot of attention, left the showroom staff and onlookers stunned, and caused heavy traffic on the road.
Showroom Staff’s Assurance and Next Steps
Following the incident, the showroom staff assured Parthasarathy that his complaints would be prioritized and resolved immediately. The damaged scooter was taken for a detailed inspection to assess any potential hazards, particularly concerning the battery pack.
This incident underscores the importance of effective customer support in the electric vehicle industry. While electric scooters offer numerous benefits, unresolved issues, and poor after-sales service can damage trust.
The Ambattur protest serves as a wake-up call for manufacturers and service centers to enhance customer satisfaction and prevent such extreme outcomes in the future.
