The co-founder and ex-CEO of a prominent technology and fashion e-commerce startup have filed a criminal complaint of sexual harassment and stalking against another co-founder, the chief technology officer, and the ex-chief operations officer of the startup. Mumbai’s Kasturba Marg police station has registered an FIR and initiated an investigation into the matter.
The complainant, a Borivali East resident working in a Singapore-based company, joined the startup in 2015. Allegedly, since 2019, the accused individuals have been causing trouble and defamation over internal company issues.
According to the FIR, the accused approached the complainant in March 2021, suggesting non-professional interactions in a hotel room, leading to mental harassment. They allegedly made inappropriate requests and contacted her at odd hours.
Amid financial difficulties at the startup, the complainant was removed from the CEO position. Subsequently, she resigned in June 2022 and joined a Singapore-based firm in March 2023.
Even after her departure, the accused purportedly defamed her on social media and within investor circles, causing further distress and prompting her to seek police intervention.
The complainant cited difficulties in reporting the matter earlier due to being in Singapore and facing work constraints.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the serious issue of workplace harassment and the challenges victims face in coming forward. Legal action is essential to address such misconduct and ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
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