Kerala firm made employees' crawl on their knees and leaked coins for poor achievements; Sin order | Today news

A private marketing firm employed in Kerala has been accused of subjecting his underperforming employees to the humiliating punishments, including crawling on their knees like dogs and lick coins from the floor, reports UDAYAVANI. The Department of Labor has launched an investigation into the allegations, which emerged by local media reports in which former employees are cited. The incident is believed to be linked to a firm working in Kaloor, with the alleged abuse occurring at a partner unit in Perumbavoor. Kerala Labor Minister of Sivankutty responded strongly: “I ordered an investigation into the incident and instructed the district labor officer to submit a report in connection with the incident after conducting an investigation,” he told UDAYAVANI. He also described the claims as “shocking and disturbing” and added: “It cannot be accepted in a state like Kerala at any cost.” According to a local television channel, employees were told a local television channel that those who did not reach targets were regularly punished by being forced to crawl on the floor or performing other humiliating acts, under the instructions of managing the firm. Police confirmed that although no formal complaint has been received, they are aware of the allegations. “No case has been registered so far and an investigation is underway,” an officer said. The owner of the Caloor-based firm denied involvement, claiming that the alleged harassment may have occurred at another company in Perumbavoor that previously marketed their products. The incident also attracted the attention of right bodies. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered a case after receiving a complaint from Kulathoor High Court Advocate Jaisingh. The Kerala State Youth Commission began its own investigation separately and instructed the District Police Chief to submit a report. Chairman of the Youth Commission, M Shajar, asked for accountability, saying: ‘Legal action must be done against such practices unacceptable in a civilized and democratic society. As a civilized society, we must jointly respond to such anti-social tendencies. ‘ Investigations by labor authorities and rights panels are currently underway.