IndiGo Employee Claims Caste-Based Harassment by Superiors, Airline Refutes Allegations
IndiGo Employee Claims Caste-Based Harassment by Superiors, Airline Refutes Allegations
In a troubling case that raises serious concerns about workplace discrimination, a 35-year-old employee of IndiGo Airlines has filed a police complaint accusing three senior officials of subjecting him to caste-based abuse and repeated harassment. The incident, initially reported in Bengaluru, has now officially been taken up by the Gurugram police for further investigation.
The employee, who hails from Bengaluru and belongs to the Adi Dravida community, alleges that he has been continuously harassed and humiliated due to his caste identity during his tenure with the airline. He claims the situation came to a head on April 28, when he was summoned to a meeting at IndiGo’s corporate office in Emaar Capital Tower 2, Sector 24, Gurugram.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the meeting was attended by three senior officials who allegedly directed deeply offensive casteist slurs at Sharan in the presence of others. The FIR details shocking statements allegedly made during the meeting, including “You are not fit to fly an aircraft, go back and stitch slippers” and “You are not even worthy to lick my shoe.” The complainant has characterized these remarks as a blatant attempt to degrade him and strip him of his dignity because of his caste background.
Beyond the meeting, he has also accused the same officials of engaging in a consistent pattern of discriminatory behavior. In his complaint, he claims that he was frequently issued warning letters without justification, had his salary unfairly docked, sick leaves denied, and essential staff benefits such as travel privileges and ACM (Additional Crew Member) access revoked. He also alleges that he was pressured to resign from his position.
“I have been facing continuous harassment because of my caste… I fear for my mental well-being and job security due to this ongoing discrimination,” He stated in the FIR. He further said that he reported the incident to IndiGo’s CEO and the internal Ethics Committee but was met with silence and inaction. After receiving no response or apology within a seven-day window, he proceeded to file the legal complaint through his lawyer.
The complaint was initially filed as a Zero FIR—a provision that allows any police station to register a case regardless of jurisdiction—on May 21 in Karnataka. As the alleged incident took place in Gurugram, the case was later transferred to the DLF Phase 1 police station, where it was formally registered on June 22.
The charges in the FIR include criminal intimidation, use of criminal force, intentional insult intended to provoke breach of peace, common intention, and caste-based abuse under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Gurugram police confirmed that a probe has been initiated. “An FIR has been registered and investigation is underway. We are in the process of recording statements and verifying the facts. None of the accused have been summoned yet, but they will be soon,” said Rajesh Kumar, Station House Officer of DLF Phase 1 police station.
Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines has issued a statement firmly denying the allegations. “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. We strongly refute these baseless claims and will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as required,” a company spokesperson said.
