Kerala workplace 'abuse': Multiple versions emerge amid row over manager making man 'crawl like dog'; govt orders probe

The man shown being led by a leash in the video, however, denied the abuse claims

After a video of underperforming employees of a private marketing firm in Kerala's Kochi being subjected to inhuman treatment surfaced online, the state labour department, police, and multiple rights bodies  launched separate probes into the incident.

The visuals showed a man crawling on his knees with a leash tied around his neck, being led like a dog. In another clip, employees appear to be undressing under orders.

Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty described the visuals as "shocking and disturbing" and confirmed that a formal inquiry had been ordered. "I have ordered a probe into the incident and instructed the district Labour officer to submit a report in connection with the incident after carrying out a probe," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

According to The Week, a group of employees from the company claimed that what happened was not workplace harassment but an orchestrated attempt to defame the firm.

100% literate State #Kerala: Shocking video claiming to be of Employees of a company getting punished for missing Sales Targets goes viral. Allegedly they were forced to Crawl, Lick spit & Bark like dogs. #kerala#dog#man#bengaluru#bangalorepic.twitter.com/swrzstycf9

Bawaali Shots (@BawaaliShots) April 6, 2025

The Week reported that the video was recorded six months ago by a former manager, identified as Manaf, who has since left the company. He is said to have recorded the video, claiming it was "for training purpose". Manaf is said to have leaked them now to defame the firm.

One of the employees seen in the video has claimed Manaf recorded the video when senior manager Ubail went on leave. "Manaf instructed me to hold the leash. I had reported the incident to Ubail once he returned to work. An enquiry was launched and Manaf was terminated from the job. Manaf had personal animosity with Ubail and this is why he leaked the video," the employee was quoted by Manorama Online.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered a case based on a complaint filed by Kerala High Court advocate Kulathoor Jaisingh.

Various versions

Station House Officer Rajesh M K  told Economic Times that the videos were recorded by a former manager. “We were told that this was done as part of a training. We have not registered a case yet since no complaint has been filed,” he said.

The man shown being led by a leash in the video, however,  denied the abuse claims. Speaking to the media, he said, “I am still working in the firm. These visuals were from some months ago and forcefully taken by a person who was working as the manager of the institution then. He was later asked to quit by the management and he is now using the visuals to tarnish the owner of the firm,” he said as quoted by ET.

Commission Chairman M Shajar said, “Legal action should be taken against such practices that were unacceptable in a civilised and democratic society.”

According to reports, the owner of the firm had previously been arrested in an unrelated sexual assault case.