Kochi: In a disturbing case of workplace abuse, an employee of a private sales company in Perumbavoor, Kerala, was subjected to inhumane treatment for reportedly failing to meet performance targets. A video that has now gone viral on social media shows the employee being forced to crawl on his knees with a leash tied around his neck, mimicking a dog, while others watched and mocked him.
The man was also made to drink water from a dog bowl and pick up coins with his mouth. The shocking visuals sparked outrage from netizens after they surfaced online and eventually led to a police investation.
Kerala Labour Minister Reacts to the Incident
The incident reportedly took place in a private marketing firm that sells household goods door-to-door in Kerala. Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty also responded to the shocking video, demanding an immediate report on the matter. “Labour laws are strictly enforced in Kerala. Harassment of any kind at the workplace will not be tolerated. Strict action will follow once the report is reviewed,” the minister said in a statement, quoted by NBT.
The Ernakulam division labour office identified the house in Arakkapadi, Perumbavoor, where the incident took place. According to preliminary investigations, the company has not employed male workers in the past three months. Officials are currently speaking with the staff to uncover more details about the internal workings of the company.
Police Launch Investigation
Police have launched a probe into the company, which reportedly has a history of complaints. Investigators have already questioned one of the men seen in the viral video, who claimed that it was filmed by another employee, who has since been dismissed for drug use. The company’s office in Palarivattom was also inspected by the police.
Several employees revealed to a local television channel that such punishments were not unusual and were often used to penalise those who failed to meet sales targets at the company.
The State Human Rights Commission has also taken suo motu cognizance of the matter based on a complaint filed by High Court advocate Kulathoor Jaisingh.
