India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is under scrutiny after a Bengaluru-based employee filed a formal police complaint accusing senior officials of caste-based harassment and workplace discrimination. The incident has ignited nationwide discussion around diversity, inclusion, and employee rights in the Indian aviation industry.
FIR Filed: IndiGo Employee Alleges Caste-Based Verbal Abuse
The case was brought forward by Sharan A, a 35-year-old IndiGo employee from Bengaluru belonging to the Adi Dravida community, which is recognized as a Scheduled Caste under the Indian Constitution. Sharan alleges that during an internal meeting held on April 28, 2025, at IndiGo’s corporate headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, he was subjected to verbal abuse and caste-based slurs by three senior officials: Tapas Dey, Manish Sahni, and Captain Rahul Patil.
Serious Accusations of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
According to the First Information Report (FIR) now registered by Gurugram police, Sharan claims he was told:
“You are not fit to fly an aircraft, go back and stitch slippers,”
“You are not even worthy to lick my shoe.”
These remarks, as described in the complaint, formed part of a larger pattern of discrimination, including:
- Unjustified warning letters
- Salary deductions without explanation
- Denial of sick leave
- Revocation of staff travel and duty privileges
- Persistent pressure to resign
Sharan also mentioned that despite raising the issue with IndiGo’s CEO and Ethics Committee, he received no response or support, prompting him to file a Zero FIR in Bengaluru. The case was later transferred to the DLF Phase-1 police station in Gurugram, where the alleged incident took place.
Legal Proceedings Under SC/ST Act and IPC
The FIR has been filed under sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a stringent Indian law that addresses caste-based discrimination. Additionally, several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and use of criminal force have also been invoked.
Legal experts note that if the charges are proven, they could lead to serious legal consequences for the accused and raise deeper questions about workplace safety and inclusivity in corporate India.
Wider Implications for India’s Aviation and Corporate Sector
This high-profile complaint has triggered renewed conversations about the responsibility of large corporations to create safe and inclusive work environments. In an industry where professionalism, equality, and ethics are vital, such allegations could have reputational and regulatory consequences.
Labor rights activists have called for a transparent investigation and stronger internal grievance redressal systems within private firms. Meanwhile, the aviation industry and corporate India are watching closely as the case unfolds.
