Panicky customers make beeline for MP's Nokia service centres

Bhopal, Aug 16 (UNI) Panicky customers in Madhya Pradesh made a beeline for Nokia service centres in the wake of apprehension of explosions in the cellphone major's BL-5C batteries.

The company made its apprehension public over its website. There are 23 such authorised centres in this state. Customers were disappointed and annoyed over the grievance not being redressed.

Over the past six months, an incident each of mobile phones bursting was recorded in Indore, Sagar and Bhind districts and minor injuries reported in two instances.

''For the moment, we are checking customers' instrument batteries and telling them whether or not to change them. If a change is required, the company is being informed for couriering batteries to the customers,'' said an official at the principal service centre here.

Surging crowds at service centres are being controlled by police.

Serpentine queues were observed from morning to evening over the past three days. Customers are allegedly having to hear harsh words from the men in khaki and the company's guards.

''I am standing in line for two hours. Three members of my family have Nokia sets and unfortunately all of them have BL-5C batteries.

They are scared and have not charged their instruments since the information came to light. Company officials are saying it might take a fortnight for battery replacement. Are we to keep our phones switched off for that entire period,'' said a new Bhopal-resident Rajesh Mishra.

When Nokia's Madhya Pradesh head, posted in Mumbai, was contacted over telephone the official said, ''All related information is on our website. I am not authorised to provide details. Our corporate office at Delhi may be contacted.'' UNI