Ola Engineer's Suicide Raises Serious Allegations Against Bhavish Aggarwal and Management

The police have initiated legal proceedings against Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrat Kumar Das, and others on October 6.

A 38-year-old engineer working at Ola Electrics took his own life, leaving a 28-page handwritten note that accused his superiors, including Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal, of subjecting him to mental harassment and financial exploitation.

In response, Ola issued a statement claiming that the engineer, identified as K Aravind, never voiced any complaints or grievances regarding harassment or employment issues during his tenure.

According to officials, K Aravind, who had been employed as a homologation engineer at Ola since 2022, consumed poison at his residence in Bengaluru's Chikkalasandra on September 28. His friends discovered him in distress and rushed him to Maharaja Agrasena Hospital for treatment, but he passed away that same day.

Officials confirmed that police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR).

Following Aravind's death, his brother discovered a 28-page note addressed to him, in which the Ola engineer accused Subrat Kumar Das and Bhavish Aggarwal of workplace harassment and pressure. The note detailed how Aravind experienced mental torture and was denied his rightful salary and allowances, which ultimately led him to take his own life.

Aravind's brother reported that a suspicious bank transfer of Rs 17,46,313 was made to Aravind's account via NEFT two days after his death. When the brother approached Ola seeking clarification about this transaction, Das allegedly provided vague responses. Subsequently, three company representatives - Kratesh Desai, Paramesh, and Roshan - visited Aravind's home but failed to provide consistent information regarding the financial transfer, raising concerns among family members about the company's intentions.

Based on the complaint filed by Aravind's brother, police registered a case against Bhavish Aggarwal, Das, and others on October 6.

The FIR alleges that persistent harassment, humiliation, and financial exploitation by his superiors directly contributed to Aravind's death. His family has urged authorities to pursue legal action against the accused officials, including Das and Aggarwal, holding them responsible for abetment to suicide.

Ola released an official statement today expressing condolences for their employee's death.

"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," the statement read.

The company also revealed that it has challenged the FIR filed against its founder and others in the Karnataka High Court.

"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 stated.

Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com

TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)