Ola techie dies by suicide in Bengaluru, FIR filed against Bhavish Aggarwal, others; Company moves Karnataka HC
The engineer was employed at Ola Electricals as a homologation engineer since 2022, and on Sept 28 this year, he consumed poison at his Bengaluru residence.
A case has been filed against Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal after an engineer employed at Ola Electricals died, allegedly by suicide, in Karnataka's Bengaluru. Aggarwal was reportedly among some officials named by the 38-year-old techie in his suicide note, and accused of mental harassment and financial exploitation by him.
The techie had named Aggarwal and one Subrat Kumar Das in a 28-page handwritten note that his family found after the suicide, PTI reported. The note accused the superiors of workplace harassment, the publication further added.
The engineer was employed at Ola Electricals as a homologation engineer since 2022, and on September 28 this year, he consumed poison at his Bengaluru residence.
Also Read: Ola Group witnesses second case of death by suicide within six months
He was reportedly found in distress by his friends, who took him to a hospital for treatment, but he died the same day. An Unnatural Death Report (UDR) was filed after his death, and the note was found by deceased's brother later.
Mental torture allegations, then a big amount in bank account
The note that his brother found reportedly cited workplace harassment, naming the techie's superiors Subrat Kumar Das and Bhavish Aggarwal. It claimed that Aravind was subjected to mental torture and denied his salary and allowances, which ultimately drove him to take his own life.
However, two days after the techie died, his brother reportedly found a bank transfer of ₹17,46,313 was made to his account. When he tried to seek clarity on the transaction, he was reportedly got vague answers from Subrat Kumar Das.
According to the NDTV report, the techie's family grew more suspicious after his brother was approached by Ola representatives regarding the financial transfer, as they failed to provide consistent information on the matter.
Days later, his brother filed a police complaint naming Bhavish Aggarwal, Das and others, alleging harassment, humiliation, and financial exploitation towards the engineer, based on which an FIR was later filed.
Who is Subrat Kumar Das?
The engineer's brother, in his complaint, alleged that Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrat Kumar Das, and other company officials subjected Aarvind to "sustained workplace harassment and withheld his salary and dues, causing him severe distress".
Subrat Kumar Das, is the head of Vehicle Homologations and Regulations and has been working with Ola Electric for the last three years, his Linkedin profile showed. A graduate of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Das has over 22 years of experience and has worked with other top automobile companies.
Das has been booked along with top company officials under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
What Ola said in its response
Reacting to the death death, Ola later released a statement expressing condolences, and confirmed that he was employed at their Bengaluru headquarters for over three years.
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our colleague and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult time,” an Ola Electric spokesperson said in a statement.
The victim worked with the company for over three-and-half years. However, he 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," the statement added.
“In order to provide immediate support to the family, the company promptly facilitated the full and final settlement to his bank account,” the spokesperson said.
“Ola Electric is fully cooperating with authorities in their ongoing investigation and remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace for all employees.”
Ola also said that it has moved the Karnataka high court over the FIR against Bhavish Aggarwal, and alleged that the techie had not flagged any concerns or harassment complaints with the company.
If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290
