The Karnataka High Court has issued an interim order directing the Bengaluru City Police not to harass Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrat Kumar Das, the Head of Homologation Engineering at Ola Electric, amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged abetment to suicide of an Ola Electric engineer.
Background of the Case
The case stems from the death of K. Aravind (38), an engineer employed by Ola Electric, who died after allegedly consuming poison on September 28, 2025, at his apartment in Chikkalasandra, Bengaluru. Aravind was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.
A First Information Report (FIR) was filed following a complaint by Ashwin Kannan, the deceased’s brother. In a 28-page handwritten note recovered from Aravind’s residence, he reportedly accused his superiors at Ola Electric of mental harassment and non-payment of salary, which he claimed drove him to take his own life.
HC Order Against Harassment
Justice Mohammad Nawaz, who presided over the case, issued the order on October 17, emphasizing that the police should not “harass” Aggarwal and Das under the guise of investigation. The order came after both executives filed a petition seeking relief from what they described as excessive and unwarranted scrutiny.
The court noted that while the investigation must proceed lawfully, there should be no personal harassment or misuse of authority against the accused during the probe.
Disputed Financial Transactions
One aspect of the case that has drawn attention is a ₹17.46 lakh payment made to Aravind’s bank account via NEFT on September 30—two days after his death. The complainant cited the transaction as suspicious, suggesting it may have been an attempt to cover up pending dues or mitigate liability.
However, Ola Electric has maintained that Aravind had not raised any formal complaints or grievances regarding salary delays or workplace harassment prior to the incident. The company also clarified that his role did not involve direct interactions with top management, including CEO Bhavish Aggarwal.
Corporate Accountability and Employee Welfare
The case has reignited debate about corporate mental health policies and employee welfare in India’s rapidly growing EV and tech sectors. Ola Electric, a key player in India’s clean mobility transition and a major name in the EV manufacturing space, has been under intense public and media scrutiny.
Industry experts point out that while Ola’s technological progress and valuation growth have been remarkable, concerns persist about employee workload, high-pressure work culture, and management practices.
Broader Implications for Ola Electric and the Industry
The High Court’s intervention provides temporary relief for Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, who has been balancing public perception with operational growth. The company’s stock and investor sentiment have remained stable, though any escalation of the legal case could potentially affect Ola Electric’s share price and future fundraising plans.
This development comes at a time when Ola Electric is preparing for its much-anticipated public listing, with analysts watching closely how the firm handles regulatory, legal, and ethical challenges.
The High Court’s stance underlines the importance of fair investigation practices, ensuring that justice is pursued without undue harassment of corporate leaders. However, it also highlights the need for companies like Ola to strengthen their internal grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure transparent employee support systems.
Conclusion
The Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal case underscores the delicate balance between corporate accountability and due process of law. While the court’s order protects the rights of company executives, it also puts the spotlight on workplace mental health and the need for better protection of employees in India’s fast-paced tech and electric mobility sectors.
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