Kochi: Employees of a marketing firm in Kochi have rejected allegations of workplace harassment, claiming instead that a viral video portraying such abuse was circulated due to personal enmity among staff members. The controversy began when disturbing footage emerged on Saturday, allegedly showing workers at Keltra being subjected to inhumane treatment for failing to meet sales targets. The visuals reportedly included scenes of individuals being forced to crawl with belts tied around their necks and drink water from bowls like dogs. 

In response, other employees of the firm have now come forward to defend the institution, stating they have not encountered any such mistreatment during their tenure.

“So far, there has been no such experience. We are safe. We are comfortable in the hostel and at work. Therefore, there is no complaint against the institution owner, Hubail”, said one female employee. “Earlier, a woman filed a complaint against Hubail, which was also false”, she added. 

Another female staff member explained, “We continue to stay here because we receive our salary on time. Everyone here is an adult, and none of us have faced any unpleasant experiences”.

The staff member added, “There is no target. There is no agreement or bond. The salary is commission-based. I am satisfied with my work. There were difficulties when Manaf worked here. Now things are going well after Manaf left.”

Labour Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the undated incident and instructed the district labour officer to visit the premises, conduct a thorough investigation, and submit a report within three days. The Perumbavoor police also initiated an enquiry.

Meanwhile, the young man allegedly seen in the video—tied around the neck and kneeling—approached the police with a new statement. The young man said that such video was created and were shared to settle a dispute between some of the company’s employees. He gave the same account to the District Labour Officer. According to him, he joined the institution four months ago. When informed that such a video was being filmed, he agreed to take part. Later, conflicts arose between the managers. He said that when the situation escalated and disciplinary action was likely against one or two individuals, the video was made public. He added that the viral spread of the video had harmed his reputation.

As the back-and-forth continues over the alleged abuse, authorities are now preparing for a detailed investigation into the case.