Was Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal Involved in Abetment to Suicide?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrath Kumar Das are under investigation for workplace harassment.
- The case was initiated after an employee left a death note.
- Financial irregularities have been reported following the employee’s death.
- Ola is challenging the FIR in court.
- The company aims to maintain a supportive workplace environment.
New Delhi, Oct 20 (NationPress) The police in Bengaluru have initiated proceedings for abetment to suicide against Ola founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal along with senior executive Subrath Kumar Das following the tragic death of an employee. The individual, identified as K Aravind, aged 38, reportedly left behind a 28-page death note accusing his superiors of workplace harassment. This case was opened after a complaint made by Aravind’s brother, Ashwin Kannan.
As per sources, the FIR lists Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrath Kumar Das, who is responsible for Vehicle Homologations and Regulation at Ola, along with others under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, the complaint highlights alleged financial discrepancies amounting to approximately ₹17.46 lakh that surfaced after Aravind's passing.
The incident occurred on September 28, when Aravind is said to have ingested poison at his residence. Despite being rushed to a private hospital, he did not survive. Following this, his family discovered a death note that outlined claims of ongoing harassment and implicated senior executives at Ola in misconduct.
They also claimed that the HR department of the company failed to clarify certain money transfers made to Aravind's bank account.
A senior officer involved in the investigation confirmed that notices have been sent to all individuals mentioned in the FIR. “They have provided written explanations, and the investigation is ongoing,” the officer stated. Ola has yet to release an official comment on the situation.
In response to this incident, an Ola spokesperson expressed, “We are profoundly saddened by the unfortunate passing of our colleague, Aravind. Our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time. Aravind had been with Ola Electric for over three and a half years and was stationed at our headquarters in Bangalore.”
The spokesperson also mentioned that Aravind had not raised any complaints or concerns regarding his employment or any form of harassment throughout his time with the company. “His position did not involve any direct contact with the company's top management, including the promoter,” the spokesperson clarified.
Ola further indicated that they have contested the filing of the FIR before the Hon’ble Karnataka High Court, and protective orders have been granted in favor of Ola Electric and its officials.
To support Aravind's family immediately, the company ensured that the full and final settlement was promptly credited to his bank account. Ola Electric is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and is dedicated to fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all employees,” the spokesperson concluded.