'Will ensure such incidents are not repeated,' says Ola after frustrated customer sets fire to showroom in Karnataka

Electric two-wheeler maker Ola has condemned an arson attack on one of its outlets in Karnataka, allegedly by a customer who was frustrated by the lack of support he received after his newly purchased scooter malfunctioned.

CREDIT: IANS

What Ola Electric said

"There has been an incident of arson yesterday at one of our brand stores in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. The perpetrator of this violent act has been identified, and an FIR has been lodged against the said individual in the concerned police station," Ola Electric said in a statement.

Important update. pic.twitter.com/wng9F8FJmS

¡ª Ola Electric (@OlaElectric) September 11, 2024

"Further to the FIR, we at Ola highly condemn such unlawful acts, and will take all necessary legal measures to ensure that appropriate and strict actions are taken in this matter and such incidents are not repeated," the statement added.

Angry customer sets fire to Ola showroom

The incident happened in Karnataka's Kalaburagi on Tuesday, when a customer, identified as Mohammad Nadeem, set the showroom on fire, leaving six new Ola electric vehicles and other materials worth lakhs of rupees gutted.

According to the police, the 26-year-old took the extreme step after an argument with the staff over issues with his newly purchased electric vehicle.

CREDIT: BCCL

Nadeem reportedly purchased a new electric bike some 20 days ago, but it soon developed snags, requiring repeated visits to the showroom for repair.

Frustrated with repeated arguments following the breakdown of his vehicle, Nadeem bought petrol, poured it on the showroom early in the morning when it was locked, and set it on fire.

Video goes viral

Videos and photos of the incident have gone viral on social media.

In Kalaburagi, Karnataka, a 26-year-old man, set an Ola electric scooter showroom on fire after a dispute over customer support for his vehicle. Following an argument with showroom staff, he poured petrol and started the fire, destroying six vehicles and computer systems. Police¡­ pic.twitter.com/41blRlqwb4

¡ª The Siasat Daily (@TheSiasatDaily) September 11, 2024

'Ola needs to improve its service first'

Many on social media reacted to Ola Electric's statement, saying that the arson attack was uncalled for, but added that the company should improve its after-sales support as there are a lot of unsatisfied customers out there.

CREDIT: BCCL

"It might be one incident where Ola Electric called the victim the perpetrator in their statement, but let¡¯s not forget the ongoing issues with Ola e-bikes catching fire while running, overheating, or malfunctioning during charging. So, who¡¯s really at fault here? The real fire isn¡¯t just at the store, it¡¯s in the frustration of new and loyal customers. Aggressive actions aren¡¯t justified, but perhaps it¡¯s time for Ola to reflect on why so many customers are at their breaking point," wrote one person.

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