Ola faces FIR over employee’s death; company moves Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru: Ride-hailing and EV major Ola Electric has found itself at the centre of a serious controversy after an employee, K. Aravind (38), allegedly died by suicide late last month, leaving behind a 28-page note detailing alleged workplace harassment and severe mental distress.

Following a complaint by the deceased’s family, the Bengaluru Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrata Kumar Das, Head of Vehicle Homologation and Regulation, and the company itself.

The FIR, registered at the Subramanyapura Police Station, names Subrata Kumar Das (Accused 1), Bhavish Aggarwal (Accused 2), and Ola Electric (Accused 3), under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) read with Section 3(5).

The case was filed after Aravind’s brother, Ashwin Kannan, lodged a formal complaint citing the suicide note, which allegedly details workplace harassment, non-payment of dues, and excessive work pressure.

According to initial reports, Aravind, who had been employed in Ola Electric’s Homologation Engineering Department since 2022, was found in critical condition after allegedly consuming poison at his Bengaluru residence on September 28.

He later passed away in hospital.

While the police initially registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR), further suspicions arose when ₹17.46 lakh was credited to Aravind’s bank account two days after his death.

The family, finding the transaction unexplained and the responses from Ola’s HR department “inconsistent,” conducted a search of his belongings — during which they reportedly discovered the 28-page handwritten note accusing senior company officials of “mental torture” and sustained workplace pressure.

Company’s response

In its official statement, Ola Electric expressed deep sorrow over the employee’s passing and categorically denied the allegations made in the FIR. The company said it has challenged the registration of the FIR in the Karnataka High Court, which has since granted protective orders in its favour.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our colleague, Aravind, and our thoughts remain with his family during this difficult time,” an Ola Electric spokesperson said.

“Aravind had been associated with Ola Electric for over three-and-a-half years and was based at our headquarters in Bengaluru. During his tenure, he 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 company clarified.

Ola further stated that the full and final settlement was promptly processed and credited to Aravind’s bank account “to provide immediate financial support to the bereaved family.”

The company said it is fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and supportive workplace.

“Ola Electric remains committed to the highest standards of employee welfare and workplace ethics. We are extending complete cooperation to the authorities and are confident that the truth will emerge through due process,” the company added.

Legal and corporate implications

The case has drawn significant public and corporate attention, coming at a time when workplace well-being and mental health accountability are increasingly under the spotlight across India’s tech and mobility sectors.

Legal experts note that the outcome of this case could set an important precedent in defining corporate responsibility in employee mental health and workplace culture.

As investigations continue, Ola Electric — one of India’s most high-profile startups in the electric mobility space — faces both a legal challenge and a reputational test, even as it continues to expand its footprint in India’s fast-evolving clean energy and EV ecosystem.