The Bhavish Aggarwal FIR came into existence following the tragic death of K Aravind, a 38-year-old homologation engineer at Ola Electric, on September 28, 2025. Aravind, who had been with Ola Electric since 2022, left behind a 28-page handwritten note alleging workplace harassment, unpaid salaries, and extreme work pressure, specifically naming CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and senior official Subrat Kumar Das. This note immediately made headlines and prompted authorities to register the Bhavish Aggarwal FIR, bringing the case into public attention and initiating a legal battle.
Experts say this case underscores the increasing scrutiny on employee welfare, especially in high-pressure startup environments where deadlines and targets often overshadow mental health.
Legal Proceedings Under Bhavish Aggarwal FIR
FIR Registration and Details
The Bhavish Aggarwal FIR was formally registered on October 6, 2025, after Aravind’s brother, Ashwin Kannan, filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police. The FIR cites sections of the Indian Penal Code related to abetment of suicide, pointing to the mental harassment and alleged financial negligence by senior officials. Both Bhavish Aggarwal and Subrat Kumar Das, along with the company Ola Electric, were named as accused.
Police investigations include examining Aravind’s employment records, emails, HR logs, and payroll documents to verify claims of harassment and delayed salary payments.
Karnataka High Court Intervention
Ola Electric challenged the Bhavish Aggarwal FIR in the Karnataka High Court. On October 17, the court issued an order preventing police from harassing the accused executives while the investigation is ongoing. The court emphasized that the investigation should remain unbiased and that protective measures must be observed for senior company officials.
Legal experts note that the court’s intervention reflects the seriousness of the allegations but also ensures due process for the accused executives while the investigation is underway.
Workplace Issues Highlighted by Bhavish Aggarwal FIR
The Bhavish Aggarwal FIR has cast a spotlight on broader workplace issues in India’s corporate sector, especially in fast-growing startups. Key concerns raised include:
- Mental health at work: Employees facing extreme pressure and long working hours without adequate support systems.
- Delayed or unpaid salaries: Family accounts suggest Aravind’s salary and allowances were unsettled, with a large sum transferred only after his death.
- Lack of grievance redressal: The note suggests Aravind never formally raised complaints, highlighting gaps in internal HR complaint mechanisms.
- Toxic culture in startups: Allegations point to high-pressure expectations and top-down management styles that can exacerbate stress.
Psychologists and HR professionals have noted that cases like this could push startups to implement stronger mental health support and clearer grievance reporting systems.
Response from Ola Electric
Ola Electric issued a statement expressing deep sorrow at Aravind’s passing. They also clarified:
- Aravind never officially raised a grievance during his employment.
- The posthumous transfer of ₹17.46 lakh to Aravind’s account was intended as a full and final settlement.
- The company is challenging the Bhavish Aggarwal FIR in court and cooperating fully with investigations.
Despite these statements, the FIR has generated intense public scrutiny and investor concerns, with Ola Electric’s stock price reportedly declining amid the controversy.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2022: K Aravind joins Ola Electric as a homologation engineer.
- September 28, 2025: Aravind dies by suicide in Bengaluru.
- October 6, 2025: Brother files complaint; Bhavish Aggarwal FIR registered.
- October 17, 2025: Karnataka High Court grants protective orders for executives.
- Ongoing: Police investigation into harassment claims, delayed payments, and workplace culture at Ola Electric.
Broader Implications of Bhavish Aggarwal FIR
The Bhavish Aggarwal FIR is significant beyond this individual case:
- Corporate accountability: Startups and established firms are being reminded to maintain transparent, fair, and humane workplace policies.
- Mental health awareness: Highlighting the need for workplace wellness programs and stress management initiatives.
- Investor perception: Legal controversies and allegations of poor workplace culture can affect public and investor trust.
- Legal precedent: The FIR sets an example that top executives can be held accountable in cases of alleged workplace harassment.
Sources: Business Standard
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