FIR Filed Against IndiGo Officials Over Alleged Caste-Based Discrimination

An IndiGo Airlines employee has filed a criminal complaint accusing three senior officials of caste-based abuse and ongoing workplace discrimination. The FIR, transferred to Gurgaon’s DLF-1 police station, includes serious charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint alleges that the employee was humiliated in a meeting with casteist slurs and denied justice despite reporting the issue internally. IndiGo has strongly denied the allegations, citing its zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination. Police investigation is ongoing, and the case is sparking wider debate around caste bias in corporate India.

Gurgaon, June 23, 2025

IndiGo Airlines is under sharp scrutiny after a serious allegation of caste-based discrimination was filed by one of its employees. The employee, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC), claims he was subjected to humiliating verbal abuse and systematic harassment by three senior officials of the company.

The complaint stems from an incident in April, during a meeting held at IndiGo’s office located in Emaar Capital Tower 2, Sector 24, Gurgaon. According to the FIR, the accused officials made casteist remarks in front of others — comments the complainant described as deeply demeaning and aimed at degrading his dignity.

Key Allegations in the FIR:

The FIR quotes the officials as saying:

• “You are not fit to fly an aircraft; go back and stitch slippers.”
• “You are not even worthy to lick my shoe.”

The complainant stated he has been subjected to continuous harassment and discrimination because of his caste.

He added, “I fear for my mental well-being and job security due to this ongoing discrimination.”

Legal Developments

Initially registered as a Zero FIR in Karnataka on May 21, the case was later transferred to the DLF-1 police station in Gurgaon, where the alleged incident occurred.

The FIR invokes several serious legal provisions, including:

• Criminal force and intimidation
• Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
• Relevant sections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

The complainant mentioned that he first reported the matter to IndiGo’s CEO and the company’s Ethics Committee, but no action was taken. After waiting seven days for an apology from the accused, he filed the police complaint through legal counsel.

IndiGo Responds

In response to the allegations, IndiGo Airlines issued a strong denial. A company spokesperson said:

“IndiGo has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, harassment, or bias. We are firmly committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace. We strongly refute these baseless claims and will cooperate fully with the investigation.”

Police Investigation Ongoing

• Station House Officer Rajesh Kumar of DLF-1 police station confirmed that the investigation is underway. He noted:
• Statements from the parties involved are yet to be recorded.
• The accused have not yet been summoned, but that will happen in due course as the investigation progresses.

Why This Matters

This case brings renewed attention to the issue of caste-based discrimination in India’s corporate sector, especially in high-profile industries like aviation. As the legal process unfolds, it may have broader implications for corporate accountability and social equity in the workplace.