Labour department terms the allegations baseless, attributes the incident to internal conflict between two individuals
Kerala Firm Accused of Torturing Underperforming Employees. (Representational Image)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Video clips circulating on social media allegedly showing inhumane treatment of employees at a private marketing firm in Perumbavoor sparked widespread outrage across Kerala. The footage appeared to show young workers being led around with belts around their necks, with allegations suggesting that the firm punished employees who failed to meet sales targets.
Initial reports from a former employee claimed that the incident depicted in the video was just the tip of the iceberg regarding ongoing labor harassment at the firm, which sells household items door-to-door.
However, a preliminary inquiry by the labour department quickly cast doubt on these allegations. Officials concluded that the incident was a result of a conflict between two individuals at the workplace, rather than systematic labour abuse. Investigations revealed that the youths featured in the video had previously informed both the labour department and local police that no harassment had occurred.
One of the young workers alleged that the controversial video was recorded by a former manager who, after being dismissed following a disagreement with the firm’s general manager, sought to tarnish the company's reputation. The dismissed manager was accused of demotivating staff and encouraging some employees to resign.
As labour department officials prepare to submit their report to labour minister V. Sivankutty on Sunday, members of the Youth Congress and certain trade unions have called for a further investigation into whether the workers retracted their allegations under any form of pressure.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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