Ola Electric Responds to FIR in Employee Death Case, Secures Protective Orders from Karnataka HC

Image Source: Kalinga TV

Ola Electric has challenged the registration of an FIR linked to the death of its employee, K Aravind, and secured protective orders from the Karnataka High Court. The company clarified that no prior complaints were raised by Aravind during his tenure and expressed condolences while denying allegations of harassment.

In a developing legal and corporate governance matter, Ola Electric has issued a formal clarification regarding the FIR registered against its senior officials, including CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, in connection with the death of employee K Aravind. The company has challenged the FIR before the Karnataka High Court, which has since granted protective orders in favor of Ola Electric and its executives.

The FIR, filed by Aravind’s family, alleges mental harassment, workplace pressure, and financial irregularities. Aravind, a homologation engineer, died by suicide on September 28, and a 28-page handwritten note reportedly names senior officials. Ola Electric maintains that no grievances were raised during his tenure, and the company is cooperating with legal proceedings.

Major Takeaways:

FIR Details: The FIR was registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging abetment to suicide and financial irregularities totaling ₹17.46 lakh.
Legal Response: Ola Electric has moved the Karnataka High Court to challenge the FIR’s validity. The court has issued protective orders, shielding company officials from immediate coercive action.
Company Statement: Ola Electric expressed deep sorrow over Aravind’s demise, stating he had been with the company for over three and a half years and had never raised any formal complaints.
Named Officials: The FIR names Bhavish Aggarwal (CEO) and Subrat Kumar Das (Head of Homologation Engineering), among others, as responsible for alleged workplace harassment.
Internal Review: Ola Electric has initiated an internal audit of its HR and grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure compliance and transparency.

Notable Updates:

This marks the second employee suicide reported within the Ola Group in six months, raising concerns about workplace culture and mental health safeguards.

Industry observers are watching closely as the case may influence corporate liability norms and employee welfare protocols in India’s tech and mobility sectors.

As legal proceedings unfold, Ola Electric’s response underscores the growing importance of corporate accountability, mental health awareness, and transparent grievance systems in India’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem.

Sources: MSN, Moneycontrol, UNI India, OneIndia

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