Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal booked for abetment to suicide after Bengaluru employee’s death

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior executive Subrath Kumar Das following the suicide of a 38-year-old employee, who reportedly cited workplace harassment in a death note.

Incident and FIR

The deceased, K Aravind, allegedly consumed poison at his Bengaluru residence on September 28 and later succumbed at a private hospital. His family discovered a 28-page death note accusing senior Ola officials of persistent harassment and alleged financial irregularities amounting to ₹17.46 lakh.

The FIR, filed by Aravind’s brother Ashwin Kannan, names Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrath Kumar Das (head of Vehicle Homologations and Regulation), and others under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Notices have been issued, and written explanations are being reviewed as the investigation continues.

Allegations of Harassment and Financial Irregularities

Aravind’s death note detailed claims of workplace harassment and raised concerns about unexplained bank transfers. His family alleged that Ola’s HR department failed to provide clarifications regarding the financial discrepancies.

Ola’s Response

Ola spokesperson expressed condolences to the family and stated that Aravind never raised any grievances during his tenure of over three and a half years. The company emphasised that he did not have direct interaction with the top management, including the promoter.

Ola Electric has challenged the FIR in Karnataka High Court, with protective orders granted in favor of the company and officials. The company has cooperated with authorities and facilitated the full and final settlement to the employee’s account.

The case remains under investigation. Authorities are examining the harassment claims, financial irregularities, and the roles of the executives named in the FIR.
(With IANS inputs)