Why Did a Customer Attempt to Set His Tata Safari on Fire?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
An alarming incident at ASL Motors in Jamshedpur reveals the desperation of a customer facing repeated technical failures with his Tata Safari. As frustrations boiled over, the customer attempted to take drastic action, prompting police intervention. This troubling story raises questions about customer service and accountability in the automotive industry.
Key Takeaways
- Customer frustration can escalate to extreme actions.
- Repeated technical issues with a vehicle can lead to serious dissatisfaction.
- Proper customer service and accountability are crucial in the automotive industry.
- Legal implications exist for extreme actions taken out of frustration.
- Documentation of technical failures can support customer claims.
New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) An alarming event took place at the ASL Motors showroom in Mango, Jamshedpur, on Tuesday, when a distressed customer reportedly tried to ignite his Tata Safari SUV and threatened to self-immolate due to ongoing technical problems with the vehicle.
The individual, known as Sumit, was prevented from taking drastic action by local police. He had bought the Tata Safari in January 2024 for approximately Rs 32 lakh.
Since his purchase, he claims that the SUV has encountered numerous technical difficulties.
Sumit stated that the vehicle had been returned to the service center 8–9 times, with only temporary fixes being applied, leading to recurring issues.
“I’ve approached the showroom, contacted the company, and even lodged a formal complaint with the police, but no one is attending to my grievances. I felt that if the car were gone, and I were gone, my stress would also vanish,” Sumit shared, explaining his drastic thoughts.
He accused the service center of keeping his vehicle for nearly nine months, during which it suffered additional damage, including flooding that led to rust on the underbody.
Moreover, he alleged that the service personnel altered the car’s wiring without his consent and pressured him to take it back despite unresolved problems.
Sumit claims to possess photographic and video proof of the water damage, along with records of technical failures, such as a malfunctioning AC fan and brake issues.
“They told me -- burn the car if you wish, set yourself ablaze -- we don’t care,” he recounted, reflecting on a conversation with showroom staff that drove him to his breaking point.
The local police confirmed the incident, stating they intervened to prevent further escalation.
They added that since this is a dispute between a private customer and the dealership, their involvement is limited.
However, they cautioned that attempting suicide is a criminal act under Indian law.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that incidents like this reflect broader issues within customer service in the automotive sector. While frustration can lead to extreme actions, it is crucial for companies to address customer complaints seriously and ensure accountability to prevent such distressing scenarios.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led the customer to attempt self-immolation?
The customer, Sumit, faced repeated technical issues with his Tata Safari, which he felt were not adequately addressed by the dealership despite numerous complaints.
How many times did the vehicle go to the service center?
Sumit reported that his Tata Safari was taken to the service center 8–9 times for repairs.
What actions did the police take during this incident?
Local police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further, noting that it was a dispute between a private customer and the dealership.
What accusations did the customer make against the service center?
Sumit accused the service center of tampering with his car's wiring and pressuring him to take the vehicle back despite unresolved issues.
What legal consequences could the customer face?
Attempting suicide is a punishable offense under Indian law, which the police highlighted during their intervention.
