A tragic incident has sent shockwaves across India’s startup ecosystem. Ola Electric, one of the country’s most prominent electric vehicle companies, and its founder Bhavish Aggarwal have found themselves in the middle of a serious controversy after an employee, 38-year-old K. Aravind, died by suicide in Bengaluru on September 28, 2025. The engineer, who had been working with the company since 2022, left behind a 28-page handwritten note accusing senior executives, including Aggarwal, of mental harassment, workplace pressure, and delayed salary payments. The heartbreaking note, according to police reports, detailed how the toxic work environment and alleged mistreatment had pushed him into deep distress.
Two days after Aravind’s death, a sum of ₹17.46 lakh was transferred to his account by the company. His family has questioned the timing of this payment, calling it suspicious and demanding a thorough investigation. The tragedy has sparked intense debates about workplace culture and the growing issue of mental health in India’s fast-paced startup scene, where long hours and constant pressure have become the norm.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Following the complaint filed by Aravind’s family, the Bengaluru police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bhavish Aggarwal and Ola Electric’s Head of Homologation and Regulations, Subrat Kumar Das. The FIR was filed under sections related to abetment of suicide and common intention. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining whether the claims in Aravind’s note are true and whether his death could have been prevented.
This development has placed immense scrutiny on Ola Electric’s internal practices. Legal experts suggest that if proven guilty, the company could face severe consequences, both reputationally and legally. For a brand that has become synonymous with India’s clean mobility revolution, such allegations have the potential to shake investor confidence and public trust. The case has also ignited a nationwide discussion on accountability within corporate hierarchies and the responsibility of leaders towards employee welfare.
Ola Electric’s Response and Court Proceedings
In response to the allegations, Ola Electric issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the employee’s death. The company maintained that Aravind had never filed any formal complaints regarding harassment or delayed payments during his tenure. It clarified that the ₹17.46 lakh transferred after his death was part of his full and final settlement and not a cover-up, as claimed by the family.
The company also moved to the Karnataka High Court seeking relief against the FIR. The court granted temporary protection to Aggarwal and other senior officials while investigations continue. Ola Electric stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities and stands by its commitment to creating a fair and transparent workplace.
Lessons for India’s Startup Culture
Beyond the legal and corporate implications, this incident has reignited an important conversation about mental health, employee rights, and toxic work environments. Startups often operate in high-pressure conditions where innovation and growth targets dominate daily life. However, when ambition overshadows empathy, it leads to burnout, emotional distress, and, in tragic cases like this, irreversible loss. The case serves as a reminder that success in business must never come at the cost of human well-being.
This tragedy underlines the urgent need for stronger mental health support systems, fair grievance mechanisms, and greater accountability within India’s booming tech industry. While Ola Electric’s future course of action will shape the outcome of this case, one thing is certain—the startup ecosystem must learn from this. Every founder, leader, and company must realize that people are the foundation of innovation, and their safety, respect, and mental peace should always come first.