Bengaluru: A case has been registered by the Bengaluru police against Ola founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior executive Subrath Kumar Das after an employee took his own life and left behind a 28-page note alleging harassment.
K Aravind (38) consumed poison on September 28 at his house. He was taken to a hospital where he died later. He apparently alleged persistent harassment at his workplace in the note left behind.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Arvind’s brother Ashwin Kannan. The FIR names Aggarwal, Das, head, Vehicle Homologations and Regulation, and others under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complainant has also alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs 17.46 lakh after Aravind’s death.
“Aravind’s salary and incentive were withheld by the company,” it was alleged in the complaint.
The family has claimed that the company’s HR department failed to provide a clear explanation regarding money transfers to Aravind’s bank account.
“Soon after the complaint, we issued notices to the individuals named in the FIR, and they have submitted written explanations. Further investigations are underway,” an investigating officer said.
Ola, in a statement released on Monday, said that the company challenged the registration of the FIR before the Karnataka High Court and protective orders have been passed in its favour.
“During his tenure, Aravind never raised any complaint or grievance regarding his employment or any harassment. His role also did not involve any direct interaction with the company’s top management, including the promoter,” an Ola spokesperson said.