Death of Nikhil Somwanshi

IIDEA strongly condemns the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Nikhil Somwanshi

A young engineer at Krutrim, Ola’s Al subsidiary. Nikhil, a recent IISc graduate with a strong academic background, died by suicide on May 8. He had joined the company less than a year ago. Reports from social media and ex-employees indicate that he was made to lead a project despite being a fresher, and burdened with responsibilities after two colleagues left. His manager, Rajkiran Panuganti, has been accused of verbally abusing employees, mismanaging the team, and failing to provide support. Former employees also report that workers have been discouraged from speaking about the incident. What happened to Nikhil is not just an individual tragedy. It points to a larger systemic failure of companies normalising overwork, ignoring basic management ethics, and fostering environments where workers especially freshers, are pushed beyond limits with no support or accountability mechanisms. It reflects a culture where excessive pressure is treated as normal, and where the toll it takes on workers is overlooked or dismissed.

We demand the following:

• A time-bound, independent investigation into the circumstances that led to Nikhil’s death. Including his workload, managerial conduct, and the broader work environment at Krutrim.
• Strict accountability for those found responsible, especially if there was negligence, abuse of authority, or suppression of employee concerns.
• A company-wide review of Krutrim’s people management and grievance systems, including how responsibilities are assigned, how managers are trained, and how mental health is supported.
• Legally enforceable Right to Disconnect - to ensure workers are not expected to be available or respond to work outside their defined hours.
• A shift to a 6-hour workday across the tech sector, recognising that intense cognitive work cannot be sustained for long hours without consequences to health and wellbeing.
• Nikhil’s death should lead to reflection and reform. Not just in Krutrim, but across the tech industry. IIDEA stands in solidarity with workers demanding safe, supportive, and accountable workplaces.