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New Delhi: A 38-year-old engineer employed with Ola Electric died by suicide in Bengaluru. He left behind a detailed 28-page handwritten note in which he accused his superiors, including company founder Bhavish Aggarwal, of mental harassment and financial exploitation.
The deceased, identified as K Aravind, worked as a homologation engineer with the company since 2022. According to officials, he consumed poison at his residence in Chikkalasandra on September 28. His friends rushed him to Maharaja Agrasena Hospital, where he was under treatment, but he succumbed the same day. Police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) in the case.
Soon after his death, Aravind’s brother discovered a 28-page note addressed to him, in which the engineer accused Subrat Kumar Das and Bhavish Aggarwal of workplace harassment and mental torture. The note also mentioned that Aravind had been denied his salary and allowances, which he said ultimately pushed him to take his own life.
Aravind’s brother further alleged that a suspicious NEFT transfer of Rs 17,46,313 was made to the deceased’s bank account two days after his death. When he contacted Ola for clarification, Das allegedly gave evasive responses. Later, three company representatives — Kratesh Desai, Paramesh, and Roshan — visited the family but failed to provide any clear explanation about the transaction, raising further suspicion, officials said.
Based on a complaint filed by Aravind’s brother, police registered an FIR on October 6 against Aggarwal, Das, and others, accusing them of abetment to suicide. The FIR claims that persistent harassment, humiliation, and financial exploitation by his superiors led to Aravind’s death. The family has demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Ola expressed condolences over the incident and denied the allegations in an official statement. "We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our colleague, Aravind, and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult time. Aravind had been associated with Ola Electric for over three and a half years and was based at our headquarters in Bangalore. During his tenure, Aravind never raised any complaint or grievance regarding his employment or any harassment. His role also did not involve any direct interaction with the company's top management, including the promoter," it said.
The company added that it has approached the Karnataka High Court to challenge the FIR. "Protective orders have been passed in favor of Ola Electric and its officials. In order to provide immediate support to the family, the company promptly facilitated the full and final settlement to his bank account. Ola Electric is fully cooperating with the authorities in their ongoing investigation and remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace for all employees," the company's spokesperson said.
