
indigo staff files fir over caste abuse by seniors
IndiGo employee files FIR against seniors alleging caste-based harassment and abuse
- By Gurmehar --
- Monday, 23 Jun, 2025
An IndiGo employee has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against three of his senior colleagues, accusing them of caste-based verbal abuse, workplace harassment, and discrimination. The employee, identified as Sharan A, a 35-year-old from Bengaluru, claimed that the abuse happened during a company meeting in Gurugram and had been continuing for some time.
Sharan, who belongs to the Adi Dravida community, a Scheduled Caste, filed his complaint in Bengaluru, following which the FIR was registered at the DLF Phase 1 police station in Gurugram. The Gurugram police confirmed the registration of the FIR and assured a fair investigation.
“An FIR has been registered and a probe is underway. We are verifying the facts, and action will be taken as per the law,” said Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kumar of DLF Phase 1 police station.
Employee's claims of harassment
In his complaint, Sharan listed multiple incidents and patterns of harassment. He named Tapas Dey, Manish Sahni, and Captain Rahul Patil as the seniors responsible for allegedly making caste-based slurs and derogatory comments during an internal meeting held on April 28.
According to the FIR, Sharan stated:
“Caste-based verbal abuse, discrimination and threats were made. I was insulted in front of everyone.”
He also mentioned previous incidents of targeted harassment, including:
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Multiple unwarranted warning letters
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Salary deductions without valid reasons
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Denial of sick leave
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Cancellation of staff travel benefits and ACM (Additional Crew Member) privileges
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Being pressured repeatedly to resign from his position
Sharan claimed he had tried to report the matter internally by informing the CEO of IndiGo and the ethics committee, but no action was taken to address the issues. Feeling ignored and cornered, he decided to approach the police.
IndiGo responds
In response to the complaint, IndiGo dismissed the allegations and stated that the company has a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination or harassment of any kind.
A company spokesperson said:
“IndiGo upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or bias and remains firmly committed to being an inclusive and respectful workplace.”
The airline further stated:
“IndiGo strongly refutes these baseless claims and stands by its values of fairness, integrity, and accountability. The company will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as required.”
The registration of the FIR marks the beginning of a formal police investigation into the allegations. Officers are now expected to gather evidence, examine internal records of the company, and take statements from those involved. The charges under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, if applied, could lead to serious legal consequences for those found guilty.
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This case also raises questions about how large corporations handle sensitive complaints related to caste, especially in modern professional spaces where diversity and inclusion are regularly promoted.
While IndiGo is known for being one of India’s largest and most trusted low-cost airlines, this incident has created concern among the public and aviation employees. Social media platforms have seen divided opinions, with many calling for an independent inquiry into workplace culture and harassment policies within aviation companies.
Labour rights activists say that such incidents, if not properly addressed, discourage employees from speaking up against injustice. Others believe this could serve as a turning point for stricter guidelines around workplace discrimination, particularly in private-sector jobs.
With a police investigation underway and media attention growing, IndiGo may face increased pressure to conduct an internal review. Authorities will need to ensure a fair trial, and the airline’s internal systems of redressal may also come under scrutiny. If found guilty, the accused could face criminal charges under SC/ST Act provisions, as well as workplace harassment laws.
In the meantime, Sharan A’s complaint stands as a reminder of the continued presence of caste-based discrimination in corporate India and the urgent need to build safer and more accountable workplaces.