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A 38-year-old Ola engineer died by suicide alleging mental harassment and financial exploitation. With Bhavish Aggarwal named in the FIR, the company now challenges the case in Karnataka High Court. Is accountability in question?
Ola denies all allegations, says Aravind never raised any formal complaint.
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have filed a case against Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, following the death by suicide of a 38-year-old engineer, K Aravind, who reportedly left behind a note accusing senior officials of mental harassment and financial exploitation.
The tragic incident, which unfolded on September 28, has raised serious questions about workplace ethics and corporate accountability at one of India’s most prominent electric vehicle companies.
Aravind, who was employed as a homologation engineer at Ola Electric since 2022, allegedly consumed poison at his home in Chikkalasandra, Bengaluru. Friends rushed him to Maharaja Agrasena Hospital, but he succumbed the same day.
According to a news report, Aravind's 28-page suicide note — addressed to his brother — details incidents of humiliation, salary denial, and mental pressure. He named Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrat Kumar Das, among others, accusing them of creating a hostile work environment that led to his extreme step.
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Adding another layer of mystery, Aravind’s family alleged that a suspicious bank transfer of ₹17.46 lakh was made to his account two days after his death. When questioned, company officials reportedly gave inconsistent responses, raising red flags for the grieving family.
Representatives from Ola, including Kratesh Desai, Paramesh, and Roshan, visited Aravind’s home but failed to offer a clear explanation regarding the financial transaction, further deepening suspicions about the company’s handling of the case.
Based on the complaint filed by Aravind’s brother, the Bengaluru police registered an FIR on October 6 against Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrat Kumar Das, and other unnamed individuals.
The FIR alleges abetment to suicide, citing a pattern of harassment, denial of dues, and psychological pressure. The family is now demanding strict legal action against the officials named in the suicide note.
Ola Engineer’s Death Sparks FIR Against CEO Bhavish Aggarwal.
In an official statement, Ola Electric expressed grief over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our colleague Aravind. Our thoughts remain with his family.”
The company also clarified that Aravind had never raised any complaints of harassment during his tenure, and he had no direct interaction with top leadership, including Aggarwal.
Ola has challenged the FIR in the Karnataka High Court, where protective orders have been granted in favor of its officials.
To address the financial concerns, Ola said the full and final settlement was credited to Aravind’s account soon after his passing as a support measure for the family.
This high-profile case has reignited debate around workplace mental health, corporate harassment, and the responsibility of leadership. While Ola claims due process and denies any wrongdoing, the allegations paint a troubling picture of internal work culture.
The case remains under investigation, with the Karnataka police and judicial system now tasked with uncovering the truth behind the engineer’s tragic death.
