Ola Electric’s founder and several senior executives are now facing legal charges following the tragic death of a 38-year-old engineer who had reportedly accused them of “harassment.” Police confirmed on Monday (October 20, 2025) that a case has been registered. The deceased, identified as K. Aravind, had been serving as a Homologation Engineer at Ola Electric’s Koramangala office since 2022.
In response to the accusations, a company spokesperson stated that Ola Electric has challenged the First Information Report (FIR) in the Karnataka High Court, where they have secured protective orders for the company and its officials.
“We are profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of our colleague, Aravind, and our thoughts remain with his family during this incredibly difficult period. Aravind had been a part of the Ola Electric team for over three and a half years, based at our Bengaluru headquarters,” the company’s official statement read.
The statement further emphasized that throughout his employment, Aravind had never lodged any formal complaint or grievance regarding his work environment or any form of harassment. It also clarified that his role did not involve direct interaction with the company’s top management, including the founder.
To support the bereaved family, the company promptly processed Aravind’s full and final settlement, depositing the funds into his bank account, the statement added.
However, police reports indicate a different narrative. Aravind’s brother, Ashwin Kannan, filed a complaint detailing that on September 28, Aravind tragically attempted to end his life at his Chikkalasandra apartment. He was rushed to Maharaja Agrasen Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries despite intensive medical care.
Authorities discovered a 28-page handwritten note in Aravind’s room. In this poignant letter, he allegedly attributed his despair and decision to consume poison to “mental harassment” by his superiors and the “non-payment of salary and allowances.”
Citing this heartbreaking note, Ashwin Kannan’s complaint specifically named Subrat Kumar Das, Head of Homologation Engineering, Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal, and other company officials. He alleged that they had subjected Aravind to “sustained workplace harassment and withheld his salary and dues, causing him severe distress.”
Adding to the family’s concerns, the complaint highlighted a suspicious transaction: ₹17.46 lakh was transferred to Aravind’s bank account via NEFT on September 30, a perplexing two days after his death.
According to the complaint, when family members questioned company representatives about this and other matters, they received “unclear explanations,” which the family perceived as an attempt to conceal internal failings.
Based on Ashwin Kannan’s complaint, the Subramanyapura police station officially registered a case on October 6. The charges were filed against Subrat Kumar Das, Bhavish Aggarwal, and others under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Despite the allegations, Ola Electric reiterated its commitment: “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 statement concluded.