A chilling suicide note and a mysterious bank transfer have rocked India’s tech world. An Ola Electric engineer’s tragic death has put CEO Bhavish Aggarwal in the legal spotlight.
The Heartbreaking Incident
K. Aravind, a 38-year-old engineer, died by suicide on September 28 at his Bengaluru home. He worked with Ola Electric since 2022 as a homologation engineer. His family found him unconscious in his Chikkalasandra apartment.
Doctors at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital tried to save him. But the poison he consumed proved fatal. What happened next shocked everyone.
28 Pages That Shook Corporate India
Police discovered a handwritten suicide note spanning 28 pages. In it, Aravind made serious allegations:
- Mental harassment by top executives
- Non-payment of salary and allowances
- Pressure from CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and engineering head Subrat Kumar Das
The note claimed these work conditions drove him to take his own life. His brother Ashwin told police: “My brother felt trapped and helpless.”
The Suspicious Money Transfer
Two days after Aravind’s death, something strange happened. ₹17.46 lakh suddenly appeared in his bank account.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 28 | Aravind dies by suicide |
| September 30 | ₹17.46 lakh transferred to his account |
Ashwin questioned Ola’s HR about this payment. “They gave unclear answers,” he stated in his police complaint. The family believes this money might hide bigger issues within the company.
Legal Action Against Ola Leadership
Based on Ashwin’s complaint, Bengaluru police filed an FIR on October 6. The charges include:
- Abetment of suicide (Section 108 of BNS)
- Criminal conspiracy (Section 3(5) of BNS)
Those named include:
– Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal
– Engineering head Subrat Kumar Das
– Other unnamed company officials
Ola’s Official Response
The company expressed sadness about Aravind’s death but denied all allegations:
“During his three-year tenure, Aravind never raised any complaint about harassment. His role didn’t involve direct contact with top management.”
Ola claims the money transfer was part of normal settlement procedures. They’ve approached Karnataka High Court challenging the FIR. Protective orders have reportedly been issued in favor of company officials.
What Happens Next?
Bengaluru police continue investigating. They will examine:
- Aravind’s work emails and messages
- Company HR policies
- Financial records related to salary payments
This case has started important conversations about work pressure in India’s startup culture. Many wonder – how many others suffer in silence?
As the legal battle unfolds, one family mourns while a company fights to protect its reputation. The truth remains hidden in those 28 handwritten pages.
