[Resolved]  Nikon India — Nikon authorized service center damaged my 1.8L Rs lens

I sent my Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII for regular servicing on 25/05/13 (serial[protected], Job Order No. SO/13-14/003018) at Nikon Kolkata Service Center address is 1st Floor, P.S Plus Building, 238A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata 700020, West Bengal. The receptionist checked the lens and found no fault except she said regular cleaning is needed. In the receipt, the same was mentioned. I came to know that they will sent the lens to Gurgaon for cleaning.

When I gave them the lens, they asked me to take off the UV filter. I took it off and delivered them the lens. The lens was (and still is) under warranty and in very good condition.

After it was cleaned, I went back to take the lens and checked the internal elements for to see if it's cleaned properly. As usual, I was not carrying the filter. But when I came back home, tried to fit the filter and the filter was not fitting at all. On a closer look I found a dent. Most probably it was either dropped or deliberately the dent was made (please check the attached photos). Now they are asking me to replace the entire front element at my own cost!

Now I came to know from a friend of mine that it is not new, they have done similar thing to them as well. I have posted my experience here in Nikon India page as well. Here is the link - https://www.facebook.com/NikonIndia/posts/[protected]

Any idea what can be my next step? I'm afraid to give this expensive lens (INR 180,550) to them again.

Here is another similar experience from the same service centre. https://www.facebook.com/NikonIndia/posts/[protected]