An employee of IndiGo Airlines has filed a criminal complaint alleging caste-based verbal abuse and workplace discrimination by three senior officials of the airline. The complaint, originally lodged as a Zero FIR in Karnataka on May 21, has now been transferred to the DLF Phase-1 police station in Gurgaon for further investigation, an Indian Express report said.
According to the First Information Report, which is publicly accessible, the charges include criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, use of criminal force, and specific provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The alleged incident occurred in April during a meeting at IndiGo’s corporate office located in Emaar Capital Tower 2, Sector 24, Gurgaon, where the complainant claims he was subjected to "humiliating and derogatory caste-based remarks in front of other employees."
The FIR quotes the accused as allegedly saying, “You are not fit to fly an aircraft, go back and stitch slippers,” and “You are not even worthy to lick my shoe.” The complainant has described these statements as targeted attacks on his caste identity, intended to humiliate and degrade him publicly.
The FIR further details a pattern of discriminatory treatment and ongoing harassment. “I have been facing continuous harassment because of my caste… I fear for my mental well-being and job security due to this ongoing discrimination,” the complaint states.
According to the complainant, the matter was first escalated internally to IndiGo’s CEO and Ethics Committee, but he claims no action was taken. After a seven-day deadline for an apology from the accused expired without response, the complaint was formally filed with the assistance of legal counsel.
In response, IndiGo Airlines issued a statement strongly denying the allegations.
“IndiGo upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or bias and remains firmly committed to being an inclusive and respectful workplace,” a company spokesperson said.
“IndiGo strongly refutes these baseless claims and stands by its values of fairness, integrity, and accountability. We will extend full cooperation to the law enforcement authorities in their investigation.”
As the case proceeds, both police and company officials are expected to conduct parallel inquiries. The outcome may have wider implications for corporate accountability and workplace inclusion practices in India’s growing aviation sector.
