**Bengaluru Police Act on Suicide Note Alleging Workplace Harassment, Mysterious Fund Transfer Raises Questions** **BENGALURU, October 21, 2025** — In a shocking development that has sent ripples through India's tech industry, Bengaluru police have booked Ola Electric's top brass, including CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior executive Subrat Kumar Dash, following the suicide of a 38-year-old employee. The employee, K. Aravind, a homologation engineer, reportedly left behind a detailed 28-page suicide note accusing the company and its leadership of mental harassment and unbearable work pressure. ^[1][2][3]The tragic incident, which occurred on September 28, has sparked a police investigation into allegations of abetment to suicide, based on a complaint filed by Aravind's family. O^[1][2][4]la Electric, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the deceased employee never raised any grievances during his tenure and that they are fully cooperating with authorities. ^[1][2]### The Full Story K. Aravind, who had been an engineer with Ola Electric since 2022, was found dead after allegedly consuming poison at his residence in Chikkalasandra, Bengaluru. I^[3][5][6]nitially, police registered the case as an "unnatural death." H^[2][5]owever, the direction of the investigation dramatically shifted when Aravind's elder brother, Ashwin Kannan, discovered a lengthy, handwritten suicide note at his brother's home. ^[2][3]In the deeply disturbing note, Aravind reportedly detailed a pattern of alleged harassment by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrat Kumar Dash, the Head of Vehicle Homologations and Regulations. T^[3][7]he note cited mental stress, an excessive workload, and the alleged non-payment of salaries and allowances as factors that drove him to take this extreme step. A^[1][3]ravind's family claims the company neglected basic workplace standards and resorted to intimidation. ^[1]What's more, a peculiar detail emerged that further fueled the family's suspicions: a sum of INR 17.46 lakh (approximately $21,000 USD) was reportedly credited to Aravind's bank account on September 30, just two days after his death. A^[2][3][4]ravind's brother, Ashwin, found this unexpected transaction suspicious and approached Ola's HR department for an explanation. T^[3][4]he family alleges they received "vague and unsatisfactory answers," leading them to believe the company was attempting to conceal information. ^[2][3][4]Based on Ashwin Kannan's complaint and the contents of the suicide note, the Bengaluru police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on October 6. T^[1][2][4]he FIR names Bhavish Aggarwal, Subrat Kumar Dash, and other unnamed individuals under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with abetment to suicide. ^[2][4][5]But here's the thing: Ola Electric has pushed back. In a regulatory filing on October 21, the company expressed condolences for Aravind's death but firmly stated that he "never raised any complaint or grievance regarding his employment or any harassment" during his three-and-a-half-year tenure. T^[1][2][8][9]hey also asserted that Aravind's role as a homologation engineer did not involve "any direct interaction with the company's top management, including Aggarwal." R^[1][8]egarding the financial transaction, Ola Electric claims it was a "full and final settlement" promptly facilitated to support the bereaved family. ^[1]The company has taken legal action, challenging the FIR in the Karnataka High Court, which has granted temporary protective relief to Ola Electric and its executives, directing police not to take "coercive action" during the investigation. ^[1][6][10]### What This Means This incident casts a harsh spotlight on workplace culture within fast-paced tech companies and raises serious questions about employee well-being. For Aravind's family, it's a desperate cry for justice, as they navigate profound grief alongside a complex legal battle. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant legal and reputational consequences for Ola Electric and its leadership. **Key Points:** * Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior executive Subrat Kumar Dash have been booked by Bengaluru police. *^[2][4] The action follows the suicide of employee K. Aravind, who left a 28-page note alleging harassment, excessive workload, and non-payment of dues. *^[1][3] A suspicious transfer of INR 17.46 lakh was made to Aravind's account two days after his death, which his family questions. *^[2][3][4] Ola Electric denies all allegations, stating Aravind never complained and his role didn't involve direct interaction with top management. *^[1][8] The company has secured interim protective relief from the Karnataka High Court against the FIR. ^[1][6]### The Bigger Picture This isn't the first time Ola Group has faced scrutiny over workplace conditions. Earlier this year, in May 2025, an engineer with Ola Krutrim's data science team also died by suicide, reportedly due to work-related stress. T^[1][11]hese repeated incidents fuel a growing conversation about the intense pressure and "toxic work culture" that some employees allege exists within certain startup environments. ^[11]Experts often point to the demanding nature of the startup world, where long hours and aggressive targets can sometimes overshadow employee welfare. This case serves as a stark reminder for companies to prioritize mental health support and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched, as they could set precedents for how corporations are held accountable for workplace environments that allegedly contribute to employee distress. ### What Happens Next? The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to examine digital evidence, internal communications, and HR policies to verify the allegations made in Aravind's suicide note. W^[3]hile Ola Electric has received temporary relief from the High Court, the FIR remains active, and the legal battle is far from over. The family of K. Aravind, through his brother Ashwin, continues to demand accountability, stressing that "this shouldn't happen to anyone else." T^[11]he public will be watching to see how the legal system proceeds and what, if any, broader changes might emerge from this tragic incident concerning employee protection and corporate responsibility in India's booming tech sector.

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