‘Midland Automobiles’ in Sangrama, Sopore, exploits car owners in the guise of insurance

Kashmir Age Report

Srinagar: In a shocking revelation of customer exploitation under the guise of car repairs, "Midland Automobiles," nestled along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near Sangrama Baramulla, has found itself embroiled in controversy over an incident involving a vehicle owner.

The establishment, under the pretext of repair services, demanded exorbitant sums of money but when the customer hesitated and considered retrieving his vehicle, he was confronted with an additional demand of Rs. 11,000 labeled as parking fees.

The incident dates back to April 9 when an Innova vehicle met with an accident at Srinagar's Regal Chowk. Seeking redressal, the vehicle owner promptly contacted the National Insurance Company to initiate the repair process.

Upon the insurance company's recommendation, the vehicle was transported to Midland Automobiles service centre in Sangrama, Baramulla. 

However, after about six days, when the owner was presented with an estimate of the repair costs, he was taken aback by a bill amounting to Rs. 6,28,414. Subsequent inquiries into alternative quotes from the market revealed that the repairs could be completed for a mere fraction of the quoted amount, ranging between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000.

Upon expressing dissatisfaction with the exorbitant charges, the vehicle owner requested the return of his car. Ironically, he was informed that to retrieve his vehicle, he would need to settle a parking fee of 11,000 rupees. The service centre owners adamantly insisted on the payment before releasing the car.

In the wake of this ordeal, the vehicle owner sought justice, emphasising the injustice of being compelled to pay a substantial fee simply to retrieve his vehicle. 

The owner expressed disbelief at the callous response from the service station owner, who insensitively brushed off the parking fee as inconsequential due to the vehicle's association with a prominent media company. This treatment, the owner emphasised, shed light on the plight of ordinary customers.

Further scrutiny revealed a dubious parking scheme at the service centre, where customers were subjected to a daily charge of 1000 rupees for vehicle parking. 

This exploitative practice underscored the urgent need for investigation into the sudden accumulation of wealth by Midland Automobiles and its potential collusion with entities intent on exploiting customers.

The affected vehicle owner has taken a proactive stance by filing a complaint with the police against Midland Automobiles in Sangrama, Sopore, for fraudulent practices. 

He calls for stringent action against the service centre and its owners to curb future instances of customer exploitation and ensure accountability within the automotive service industry.