CPI(M) MP demands probe into Ola employee's death by suicide

New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim on Thursday wrote to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya seeking an immediate probe into the death of a young professional, who was working with the AI unit of OLA in Bengaluru, allegedly due to work pressure.

Nikhil Somwanshi, working with Ola's Artificial Intelligence unit Krutrim, was found dead at his Bengaluru residence on May 8. His death came to light last week after an anonymous account on Reddit posted about it and claimed it was related to work pressure.

In his letter, Rahim said reports from multiple sources indicated that he was subjected to extreme work-related stress and pressure and it might have contributed significantly to his tragic demise.

"This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of employees in India’s rapidly growing technology industry. There is a pressing need to investigate the circumstances that led to the employee’s death, including working hours, workplace policies, managerial practices, and the support mechanisms available for employees dealing with stress and mental health challenges," he said.

Rahim said it was also important to examine whether there were any violations of existing labour laws and occupational safety norms and demanded an "immediate and comprehensive" inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action to ensure accountability.

"Furthermore, this case should serve as a catalyst to review and strengthen labour protections in high-pressure sectors such as IT, particularly with regard to mental health safeguards, working hour regulations, and grievance redressal systems," he said.

In a statement earlier, Krutrim had said that Somwanshi was on personal leave at the time of the incident. Initially, it said, he was granted leave from April 8 and when approached on April 17 with a request to extend it despite him claiming that he was feeling better, it was granted.