Is Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal Facing Legal Action for Abetment to Suicide?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior executive Subrath Kumar Das are under police investigation for abetment to suicide following the tragic death of an employee who left behind a damning note. This incident raises serious questions about workplace ethics and corporate accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrath Kumar Das are facing serious legal allegations.
- The employee, K Aravind, left a 28-page note citing harassment.
- The case highlights crucial workplace accountability issues.
- Ola Electric shares have seen a significant decline recently.
- Investigation is ongoing, with notices issued to involved parties.
New Delhi, Oct 20 (NationPress) The police in Bengaluru have initiated a case of abetment to suicide against Ola's founder and CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, along with senior executive Subrath Kumar Das, following the tragic death of an employee. The individual, identified as 38-year-old K Aravind, reportedly left a 28-page suicide note accusing his superiors of workplace harassment. The police filed the case after a complaint from Aravind's brother, Ashwin Kannan.
Authorities revealed that the FIR includes names such as Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrath Kumar Das—who oversees Vehicle Homologations and Regulation at Ola—and others under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, the complaint highlights alleged financial irregularities totaling approximately ₹17.46 lakh, which came to light after Aravind's passing.
The unfortunate event occurred on September 28, when Aravind is said to have ingested poison at his home. Although he was quickly taken to a private hospital, he could not be saved. His family subsequently discovered the death note, which outlined ongoing harassment at work and implicated senior Ola officials in misconduct.
They also raised concerns about the company’s HR department, which they claim failed to clarify certain financial transactions related to Aravind’s bank account.
A senior officer involved in the investigation confirmed that notices were delivered to all parties named in the FIR. “They have provided written explanations, and the investigation is ongoing,” the officer stated. As of now, Ola has not released an official comment on the situation.
In another development, last month saw a nearly 8 percent decline in shares of Ola Electric Mobility after the Japanese investment firm SoftBank reduced its stake in the electric scooter company via open market transactions.
A regulatory filing dated September 5 disclosed that SoftBank’s investment arm, SVF II Ostrich (DE) LLC, sold approximately 94.9 million shares of Ola Electric from July 15 to September 2, accounting for over 2 percent of the company’s equity and necessitating mandatory disclosure as per SEBI regulations.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this sensitive matter with care. The allegations against Ola's leadership reflect broader concerns about workplace culture and accountability in corporate environments. The investigation serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities leaders hold towards their employees' well-being. Nation believes that all parties should be given a fair chance to present their side, while justice must be served to ensure such tragic incidents are prevented in the future.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Bhavish Aggarwal?
Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola, is accused of abetment to suicide following the death of employee K Aravind, who left a note alleging workplace harassment by his superiors.
What did the suicide note reveal?
The suicide note allegedly detailed persistent harassment at work and indicated misconduct by senior executives at Ola.
What legal actions are being taken?
The Bengaluru police have registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrath Kumar Das, and others.
How has Ola responded to the allegations?
As of now, Ola has not issued an official statement concerning the allegations or the ongoing investigation.
What financial irregularities were mentioned?
The complaint includes allegations of financial irregularities amounting to approximately ₹17.46 lakh discovered after Aravind's death.
