Bengaluru Police have initiated legal action against Ola Electric Mobility founder Bhavish Aggarwal and several senior company officials following the death by suicide of an employee, K Aravind. The 38-year-old Homologation Engineer, who had been working with Ola Electric in Koramangla since 2022, tragically passed away after allegedly consuming poison. The police booked the officials after Aravind’s brother accused them of harassment and non-payment of dues.

According to the complaint filed by Aravind's brother, Ashwin Kannan, the Ola techie attempted suicide on September 28 at his apartment in Chikkalasandra. Despite being rushed to Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Aravind succumbed to his injuries. A crucial piece of evidence, a 28-page handwritten note found in Aravind's room, purportedly details accusations against his superiors for mental harassment, non-payment of salary, and allowances, which allegedly drove him to take his own life.

Citing this purported suicide note, Ashwin Kannan’s complaint specifically named Subrat Kumar Das, Head of Homologation Engineering, and Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal, among other company officials. The complaint alleged that these individuals subjected Aravind to “sustained workplace harassment and withheld his salary and dues, causing him severe distress.” Further adding to the family's concerns, an amount of ₹17.46 lakh was transferred to Aravind's bank account via NEFT on September 30, two days after his death. The family labeled this transaction as “suspicious” and reported receiving “unclear explanations” from company representatives, who allegedly hinted at internal lapses.

Based on Ashwin Kannan's complaint, the Subramanyapura police station registered an FIR on October 6. The case has been filed against Subrat Kumar Das, Bhavish Aggarwal, and others under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This development has brought significant scrutiny upon the electric vehicle manufacturer.

In response to the FIR and the allegations, Ola Electric issued a statement expressing profound sadness over Aravind's demise and extending thoughts to his family. The company stated that Aravind had been associated with Ola Electric for over three and a half years at their Bangalore headquarters. Crucially, Ola asserted that "during his tenure, Aravind never raised any complaint or grievance regarding his employment or any harassment." The statement also clarified that Aravind’s role did not involve any direct interaction with the company’s top management, including the promoter.

Regarding the financial transfer, Ola Electric explained that it had facilitated the full and final settlement to Aravind's account to provide “immediate support” to his family. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace for all employees. Amidst the legal proceedings, Ola Electric confirmed that it has challenged the registration of the FIR before the Karnataka High Court, where "protective orders have been passed in favour of Ola Electric and its officials." Police investigations into the matter are reported to be ongoing.