Bengaluru: A 25-year-old machine learning engineer working at AI startup Krutrim, a subsidiary of Ola, was found dead in Agara Lake earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of concern and serious allegations about toxic work conditions at the company.
The deceased, identified as Nikhil Somwanshi, had joined the firm in August 2024 after graduating from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) with distinction. An FIR has been filed, and police are investigating the cause of death.
Toxic Leadership Alleged
Following Nikhil’s death on May 8, several Reddit users and media outlets alleged that he had been struggling with intense workplace stress. According to one viral Reddit post by a user identifying as a Krutrim employee, the company’s US-based manager, Rajkiran Panuganti, routinely berated junior staff and cultivated a hostile environment. The post claimed that Panuganti’s “traumatic language” and aggressive behaviour had led to multiple resignations.
Business Standard cited a former employee who said they quit without a backup job due to the overwhelming pressure. Another source quoted by the Financial Express described the manager’s leadership style as “abusive,” claiming he would disappear for long periods and then lash out during meetings.
Company Responds, Says Engineer Was on Leave
In a statement to the press, a Krutrim spokesperson expressed grief over Somwanshi’s passing and noted that he had been on personal leave since April. “He had requested time off for rest on April 8, which was approved. He later asked for an extension on April 17 and was granted additional time,” the company said in an email.
Nikhil was known to be an exceptional student, holding a 9.30 GPA at IISc. According to employees speaking anonymously, he had taken on multiple roles after several team members resigned, allegedly due to the work environment.
The incident has reignited broader concerns about mental health challenges in India’s high-pressure tech sector, drawing comparisons to other recent workplace tragedies involving young professionals.
