Watch: Frustrated over her ‘faulty’ e-rickshaw, woman sets it on fire

Bhopal: Frustration over a faulty e-rickshaw allegedly sold without effective after-sales support drove a woman to set her own vehicle on fire outside the showroom in Shivpuri on Friday.

The incident took place in the Kotwali police station area, outside an automobile company, where the woman doused the e-rickshaw with petrol and set it ablaze in full public view.


Police went to the spot after receiving information and brought the woman and the charred vehicle to the police station, where the process of filing a complaint was initiated.

The woman, identified as Gudiya Mahaur, a resident of Fakkar Colony in Shivpuri, said she and her husband Narayan Mahaur work as labourers and have three children to support. About six months ago, the couple purchased an e-rickshaw worth about Rs 2.3 lakh through financing, hoping it would provide a steady source of income and free them from daily wage labour.

According to Gudiya, the vehicle started malfunctioning within two months of purchase, eventually being rendered unusable. They alleged that for the last four months, they kept going to the agency, but they refused to fix it.

She further alleged that the agency declined to carry out repairs, leaving her with no option but to take the extreme step. Gudiya demanded that the agency either repair the e-rickshaw completely or replace it with a new one, failing which she sought a refund of the amount paid so far. Speaking to the media, the agency, however, denied any wrongdoing. They said the e-rickshaw battery had burst and was beyond repair, adding that the customer was advised to install a new battery, but refused. The company does not provide replacement in case of a battery explosion, they claimed.

Police said they were recording statements from both sides and examining purchase documents, warranty conditions and service records. Further action will be taken after the inquiry is completed, officials added.