Bank fined for vehicle lifting

Mandsaur(MP), Aug 26(UNI) A consumer court has fined a private bank for forcibly lifting and later auctioning a two-wheeler after the loanee defaulted in payment of few instalments.

Judge S D Dube of the consumer forum last week ordered Neemuch branch of ICICI Bank to pay compensation of Rs 10,000 and litigation charge of Rs 1,000 to Kamlesh Patidar, a resident of Malhargarh, and to file civil suit for recovery of loan.

Mr Patidar, who had availed Rs 36,100 loan in November 2004 for purchasing a motor cycle, defaulted payment of few instalments. The bank hired 'goondas' to forcibly lift the vehicle and later auctioned it for Rs 14,000. Subsequently, the bank served a notice to the loanee for recovery of Rs Rs 42,000.

Mr Patidar took up the matter with consumer forum in February this year.

UNI XC-SP 1430