An IndiGo Airlines employee has lodged a criminal complaint alleging severe caste-based verbal abuse and workplace discrimination by three senior officials of the company.
The complaint was originally registered as a Zero FIR on May 21 in Karnataka, and was formally transferred to the DLF-1 police station in Gurgaon on Sunday.
The FIR, available in public domain, invokes sections related to criminal force, criminal intimidation, acts done with common intention, intentional insult or intimidation to humiliate a member of SC/ST, and abuse/caste-based insult.
The complainant states that in April, he was summoned to a meeting at IndiGo’s office in Emaar Capital Tower 2 at Sector 24 in Gurgaon.
The meeting was attended by three IndiGo officials who stand accused of subjecting the victim to “humiliating and derogatory caste-based remarks in front of others”.
According to the FIR, the accused made explicit references to the complainant’s caste and made statements such as ‘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 described these remarks as deliberate attempts to degrade his dignity and humiliate him based on caste identity.
Story continues below this ad
The FIR further alleges a pattern of targeted harassment and discriminatory treatment at IndiGo.
“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,” the FIR said.
It stated that the matter had initially been to IndiGo’s CEO and Ethics Committee, but no action was allegedly taken to address the injustice. After giving the accused seven days to apologise, which they did not, the complaint was filed through a lawyer.
The airlines has refuted 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. IndiGo strongly refutes these baseless claims and stands by its values of fairness, integrity, and accountability and will extend its support to the law enforcement agencies as required”, a spokesperson said when contacted.
Story continues below this ad
DLF-1 Station House Officer Inspector Rajesh Kumar said that the investigation is on and recording of statements as per routine will done.
“None of the accused have been called to the station yet, we will soon and look into the allegations”.