IFB — fire caused due to elena vx washing machine purchased on 28/1/2013

I had bought this IFB washing machine in 2013 and it's warranty had expired on 28/1/2017. On 26/09/2017 at approx. 10:30 AM, the machine caught fire when in operation, and fire continued in spite of discontinuing the power supply. The machine was completely gutted and has caused a massive damage to my washing area and Kitchen ruining other appliances as well. The whole house needs to be repainted. We were very lucky that fire was doused in nick of time before the gas cylinder in kitchen could be affected.

I had same day approached IFB customer care care (ticket no.[protected]) to report the incident, but was audaciously informed that since my warranty period has expired, even though the machine is not repairable a technician can visit only if I bear a INR 590/- visit charge. I have refused to pay any visit charges and later filed an email complaint as well and even after 24 hrs of email complaint the only response was that they are still looking into the matter and revert shortly; no specific deadline is committed.

I cannot indefinitely store the burnt frame of the machine, I believe these people deliberately do this to wear us out.

Looking at similar complaint of same model and purchase year, I strongly believe there is a inherent manufacturing/design defect.