The Karnataka High Court has directed Bengaluru Police not to “harass” Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal or other officials while investigating the suicide of a 38-year-old Ola Electric engineer, whose death has triggered widespread attention across the tech and startup sectors.
Justice Mohammad Nawaz, who heard the plea, said the police must ensure that “the petitioners are not harassed in the guise of investigation.” The direction came after Aggarwal, senior official Subrat Kumar Dash, and Ola Electric moved court on October 14, seeking to quash the FIR and restrain police from any coercive action.
Engineer’s death sparks legal storm
The case was registered on October 6 following a complaint by the deceased employee’s brother. The 38-year-old engineer allegedly died by suicide on September 28, leaving behind a 28-page handwritten note which included the names of his superiors including Aggarwal and Dash where he accused them for “mental harassment” and “financial exploitation.”
The FIR was filed under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide and common intention. According to the complaint, ₹17.46 lakh was transferred to the employee’s account two days after his death, raising questions about the company’s intent. Family members claim the payment was “suspicious,” alleging inconsistent explanations from Ola representatives.
Ola denies wrongdoing, calls allegations ‘unfounded’
Ola Electric, in a statement, said it was “deeply saddened by the loss” and maintained that the employee never raised any grievance of harassment or had direct contact with the top management.
The company has filed a petition challenging the FIR, calling the allegations “unfounded and damaging.” The High Court has issued notices to the police and the complainant, seeking their responses.
As the investigation continues, the court’s direction shields the Ola leadership from immediate coercive action while keeping the case under judicial watch.
