Walk on Knees, Lick Coins: Kerala Firm Accused of Shocking Punishment for Underperforming Staff; Probe Ordered
Kochi – A private marketing firm in Kerala has come under fire after disturbing visuals aired on local TV allegedly showed employees being subjected to humiliating punishments for not meeting targets. The alleged acts include making staff crawl on their knees like dogs and lick coins from the floor.
The Kerala Labour Department has launched an investigation into the incident. State Labour Minister V Sivankutty termed the visuals “shocking and disturbing” and directed the district labour officer to submit an urgent report.
The footage reportedly shows a man being forced to crawl with a leash around his neck. Some employees claimed such punishment was regularly used by the management for those who failed to meet performance targets.
According to the police, the incident is linked to a private firm based in Kaloor, though the alleged abuse took place at a related company in Perumbavoor. The owner of the Kaloor firm denied involvement and stated that the abuse might have happened at a partner firm that distributed their products. No official complaint has been lodged yet, and no case has been registered, though a police inquiry is ongoing.
In response to public outrage, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance and registered a case, following a complaint from High Court lawyer Kulathoor Jaisingh. The Kerala State Youth Commission also stepped in, ordering the District Police Chief to submit a report.
Youth Commission Chairman M Shajar condemned the incident, calling for strict legal action. “Such practices have no place in a civilised and democratic society,” he said.
