Bengaluru Ola Electric Engineer Commits Suicide, FIR Lodged Against CEO Bhavish Aggarwal

National News: A 38-year-old engineer working at Ola Electric died by suicide, leaving behind a 28-page handwritten note- accusing his superiors, including Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal, of mental harassment and financial exploitation. Ola, however, stated that the engineer, K Aravind, never reported any complaint or issue regarding his work or harassment. Officials said K Aravind, a homologation engineer at Ola since 2022, consumed poison on September 28 at his home in Bengaluru's Chikkalasandra. Friends found him and rushed him to Maharaja Agrasena Hospital, where he was treated but died the same day. The police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR).

Harassment and Money Concerns

After Aravind’s death, his brother discovered a 28-page note in which he accused Subrat Kumar Das and Bhavish Aggarwal of pressuring him at work and causing mental stress. The note also mentioned that he was denied salary and allowances, which drove him to take his life. Aravind’s brother said a suspicious NEFT transfer of Rs 17,46,313 was made to Aravind’s account two days after his death. When questioned, Das gave unclear answers. Later, three company representatives – Kratesh Desai, Paramesh, and Roshan – visited Aravind’s home but could not explain the transfer clearly, raising family doubts about the company’s intentions.

Legal Action Against Ola Officials

Following the complaint from Aravind’s brother, police filed a case against Bhavish Aggarwal, Das, and others on October 6. The FIR states that harassment, humiliation, and financial exploitation by his superiors led to Aravind’s death. His family asked the police to hold the accused accountable for abetment to suicide.

Ola’s Response

Ola released a statement expressing grief over Aravind’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our colleague, Aravind, and our thoughts remain with his family. Aravind had been with Ola Electric for over three and a half years at our Bengaluru headquarters. He never raised any complaint regarding work or harassment. His role did not involve direct interaction with top management, including the promoter,” the statement said. The company also mentioned that it challenged the FIR against its founder and others in the Karnataka High Court. “Protective orders have been issued in favor of Ola Electric and its officials. To support the family, the company processed the full settlement to his account. Ola Electric is cooperating with authorities and remains committed to a safe and respectful workplace for all employees,” the spokesperson added.