A Kerala-based private marketing company faced criticism after revealing images were projected, wherein staff members were physically punished by management for failing to achieve work expectations. The film, which appeared on local televisions, documented one man having a leash round his waist while being forced on his knees and treated like a dog, as others were coerced into sucking coins off the ground.
State Labour Department Orders Immediate Investigation
Responding quickly to the outrage among people, Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty termed the images “shocking and disturbing.” “It cannot be tolerated at any cost in a state like Kerala,” he said. The minister asked the district labour officer to file a report after probing the incident thoroughly.
Alleged Abuse Linked to Firm in Perumbavoor
Police said the whole thing may have happened at a marketing company functioning from Perumbavoor, which had earlier sold goods for a Kaloor-based business. Though the owner of the firm has denied it, officers confirmed that there had been no complaint lodged, though an investigation has been launched.
Human Rights Commission and Youth Panel Intervene
After the media reports, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission filed a case on a complaint by High Court attorney Kulathoor Jaisingh. The Kerala State Youth Commission also initiated a suo motu case and asked the District Police Chief to file a report.
“Such Acts Have No Place in a Civilised Society”
Commission Chairman M Shajar denounced the episode, saying, “Legal action should be taken against such practices that are unacceptable in a civilised and democratic society.” He also went on to say, “As a civilised society, we should collectively respond against such anti-social trends.”
The mortifying incident has unleashed fiery outrage on social media, questioning seriously the treatment of employees in the private sector and calling for closer regulation of labour.
