A disturbing video from Kochi, Kerala, shows a man being paraded on his knees with a leash around his neck inside an office, allegedly as punishment for not meeting sales targets.
Reports also claimed employees were made to lick coins off the floor. The video sparked outrage and prompted a probe by the Labour Department. However, in a questionable turn, the police have called the video “deceptive” and appear to be siding with the company, Keltra, rather than the victim.
Instead of filing a case, the police claim no complaint was received. They accept the company’s explanation that the video was staged by a disgruntled ex-manager using trainees.
The man seen crawling has reportedly told police he agreed to the video voluntarily, but such statements can easily be influenced, especially when employees fear losing their jobs.
Some current staff have defended the company, but these testimonies cannot be taken at face value. When job security is at risk, employees often comply with the employer’s narrative. The company may have persuaded them to protect its reputation.
The State Human Rights Commission and Youth Commission have taken up the matter and called for legal action. But the police’s passive stance is concerning and raises doubts about their impartiality.
This is not just a one-off incident; it reflects a deeper problem of workplace humiliation being tolerated and covered up. Such acts must be treated as criminal, not internal company drama.
Modern day slavery
Employees at Hindustan Power Links claim they are punished for missing sales targets..allege they were forced to crawl, lick spit & bark like dogs
They earn just Rs 6000 to Rs 8000 a month. #Kerala govt orders probe pic.twitter.com/su37r32qJR
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) April 5, 2025
