I booked a Villa of KRISTAL at Kochi in December 2007, for a total price of Rs. 59 Lakhs. As per the contract signed, the villa was supposed to be completed and delivered in 10 months time. I made all the payments as per the schedule dictated by them. Though I paid Rs.33.1 lakhs and waited for almost 2 years, the work was not completed.
Left with no other option, I submitted cancellation request in August 2009 (their contract allows cancellation by the customer, for any reason at any time, for a full refund within 6 weeks). Though they accepted my cancellation, they played many games to avoid issuing the refund. Finally, after a lot of pressurizing, shouting over the phone, and writing extremely negative (but honest) reviews in this forum, I managed to get my money back after 3 months.
What did I loose? 2 years worth of interest for my hard earned money.
Who will compensate for my loss? Nonone.
A close relative of mine had booked their villa along with me because of my recommendation. Frustrated with the poor progress in work, he also had submitted cancellation request along with me. He is still waiting (5 months) to get the refund. I curse myself for recommending Kristal to him.
I will never forget the pain I went through in dealing with Kristal.
-B. Nair