R2I-Returned to Bangalore

Here’s an email that I got from a friend. Please read and please be aware.

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If you drive outside of Bangalore city, please read on.

I was driving from Belgaum on 31st December. Around 15 kms. away from the city ( Tumkur Road , around 3 pm ), 2 motorcyclists waved at us and pointed at the car’s left tyre. I got out of the car to check; one of the motorcycle persons followed, and showed me blackness around the tyre rim. He said there seems to be something wrong with it, and peeped in, as I was taking a look at the engine.

He told me that car ‘alternator’ seem to have broken, and asked me to start the vehicle. The moment I gave ignition, there was a fire from that part. I got alarmed, and asked for a Maruti service station around. To which he replied, there was none, but that he can help since he was a car mechanic. He asked the other guy to bring that ‘alternator’. Though reluctant at first, I did not say anything to his fiddling with the car, in view of situation. He got that replacement part, started the car, drove us for some distance to show that the replaced part was working. I asked him the charges, and he said ‘Rs. 5000/-’. And I paid up.

He introduced himself as ‘Ashok Patkar’ who worked for a garage - Kailash Motors, 3rd cross, 1st main, Nangmangla. He also gave me his mobile number & address in case of any issues.

I was circumspect throughout the incident, so took my car the next day to an authorised Maruti service station. As it turns out, I was cheated. They told me that blackness on the tyre rim is pretty normal, considering the 500 kms. drive on a single day and at high speed. The fire from the car part is not alarming as well. The part that he replaced costs only about Rs. 780/-, and there was nothing wrong with it in first place. His mobile number is now a ‘does not exist’ number. And I am guessing the given address must not be correct too.

I was also told that these motorcyclists are a known gang of people, and mainly operate on Hosur & Tumkur road. There have been many others who have been duped this way before. I know nothing can bring my money back now, but by spreading the word, I may help others who may need this information to be prepared beforehand. Please spread this information as far as you can.

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We are often driving in and out of Bangalore, and it would help us to be forewarned of such issues. In this case, I am glad it was just the question of money. It wouldn’t have taken much for the 2 people to have been bigger criminals.

Filed under: Life, Cars, Bangalore