Complainant Name: Suraj Bora
Profession: SDE 2 at Amazon | Ex-Elucidata | IIT-BHU Alumnus
Incident Date: June 16, 2025
Platform Found On: LinkedIn
Original Post Link: LinkedIn post URL
Company Involved: Zoomcar
Car Booked: Hyundai Exter
Host Name: T G Lavanya
Complaint Summary:
We came across a deeply disturbing complaint shared publicly by Suraj Bora, a software engineer at Amazon, who faced a violent assault and extortion attempt during his first Zoomcar booking. Despite escalating the matter through official channels and providing full documentation, Zoomcar has allegedly remained silent and unresponsive for over a month.
What Happened:
- Suraj booked a Hyundai Exter via Zoomcar and paid the ₹999 Damage Protection Fee.
- On the second day, a minor scratch occurred due to a bus. Suraj informed Zoomcar, and was assured it would be handled.
- But when returning the car, the host (T G Lavanya):
- Physically assaulted him (in front of his family)
- Scratched and hit him, breaking his phone screen guard
- Threatened and extorted ₹17,000, claiming service charges
- Forced him to a service center, demanding immediate payment or face further assault
Fearing for his safety especially with three women and a 3-year-old child present Suraj paid the amount under extreme distress.
Escalation Efforts Ignored:
Suraj immediately:
- Submitted videos, photos of injuries, and service center bills
- Emailed Zoomcar, including to their Grievance Officer
- Was assigned a “relationship manager,” who soon stopped responding
- Received no official communication or update, even after 30+ days
To make matters worse, the same vehicle is still live on Zoomcar’s platform, with no suspension or investigation, despite the serious allegations.
Serious Questions Raised by the Customer:
- What is Zoomcar’s protocol when a customer is physically assaulted?
- Why is a host allowed to operate again after committing violence?
- Where is the safety mechanism Zoomcar promises in their service model?
Suraj states he is ready to take legal action, citing institutional apathy and gross negligence by Zoomcar.
Our Take:
This is not just a customer service issue this is a serious safety lapse. If true, Zoomcar has failed not just a paying customer, but a family put at risk under its platform.
We urge Zoomcar to:
- Immediately suspend the involved host
- Refund the extorted ₹17,000
- Publicly acknowledge the incident
- Conduct a transparent investigation and review its safety protocols
📢 Have you also faced a safety issue, refund scam, or poor handling from any service provider?
Submit your complaint on Choice4Voice.com — we’ll feature it to ensure your voice is heard and justice is pursued.
