Big news has emerged regarding Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of South Goa has issued a bailable arrest warrant against him. This step was taken in a matter related to a consumer complaint, where he failed to appear before the commission despite notices being sent.
According to reports, the commission has directed the Bengaluru Police to take him into custody if necessary and produce him before the commission on February 23 at 10:30 AM. However, since this is a bailable warrant, release is possible based on a personal bond of Rs 1.47 lakh and a surety of the same amount.
What is the whole matter?
This dispute is related to a complaint by Goa resident Pritesh Chandrakant Ghadi. He filed a petition in the District Consumer Commission regarding an Ola S1 Pro Second Gen (priced at approximately Rs 1.47 lakh) purchased in August 2023. According to the complaint, shortly after the purchase, abnormal noise started coming from the scooter’s motor and the touchscreen also started malfunctioning. The consumer states that he submitted the vehicle for repair to a dealer located in Vasco, Goa, but for a long time, he did not receive any clear information about the status of the scooter.
He alleged that despite contacting the company multiple times, no satisfactory answer was given. Even after servicing was done by charging extra fees, the problem was not resolved. Finally, frustrated, he turned to the Consumer Commission for justice.
What happened in the January hearing?
According to reports, during the hearing held on January 20, the commission took a tough stand. The commission stated that since the current condition and whereabouts of the vehicle are not clear, Bhavish Aggarwal must appear in person to provide an answer. The commission clarified that it should be explained where the concerned vehicle is at present and why it has not been returned yet despite repeated requests from the consumer.
Instruction was to appear on February 4
The commission had directed him to appear in person on February 4. After failing to appear on the scheduled date, the commission ordered the issuance of a bailable warrant amounting to Rs 1,47,499.
The execution of the warrant has been asked to be done through the concerned police station in Bengaluru. Now, the next hearing in this matter is scheduled for February 23, where a decision will be taken on further legal proceedings.
