Thrissur (Kerala): A Thrissur resident’s joy at winning a sovereign of gold in a promotional contest turned into bitter frustration after showroom staff demanded the winning ticket back, claiming it had been handed over by mistake.

Varghese, who purchased a new car from AM Motors in Palakkad, was presented with a “scratch and win” promotional coupon by sales staff on the showroom floor. Upon scratching the panel, Varghese was delighted to discover he had won 8 grams of gold.

However, the celebration was brief. Realising the high value of the prize, showroom personnel swiftly stepped in, alleging that the wrong ticket had been distributed and insisting it be returned immediately.

In place of the gold-winning coupon, staff issued a replacement ticket, which yielded a trolley bag instead.

Refusing to accept the sudden downgrade, Varghese has demanded either the full eight grams of gold or at least half its monetary value. Showroom management, however, declined the request, maintaining that the mix-up was an honest oversight and stating that efforts had been made to reach an amicable compromise with the customer.

Unsatisfied with the response, Varghese is now pursuing a formal complaint against the dealership to claim his original prize.