
Sun Apr 06 10:04:46 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Marketing Firm Under Investigation for Alleged Employee Abuse
**Kochi, Kerala –** A private marketing firm in Kaloor, Kerala, is facing intense scrutiny following allegations of degrading treatment inflicted upon underperforming employees. Disturbing video footage, aired by local television channels, allegedly shows employees being forced to crawl on their knees on leashes and lick coins from the floor.
The state Labour Department has launched an investigation into the incident, prompted by the Minister for Labour, V Sivankutty, who described the visuals as “shocking and disturbing.” The Minister has ordered the district labour officer to submit an immediate report.
While the firm’s owner denies the allegations, stating that the incident may have occurred at a separate, affiliated marketing firm in Perumbavoor, police have yet to receive a formal complaint and no arrests have been made. The police investigation is ongoing.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to multiple inquiries. The State Human Rights Commission registered a case based on a complaint filed by High Court lawyer Kulathoor Jaisingh, and the Kerala State Youth Commission also initiated its own investigation, directing the District Police Chief to submit a report.
Both Commissions condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing that such treatment is unacceptable in a civilized society and warranting swift legal action. The unfolding situation underscores growing concerns about workplace harassment and the need for stronger protections for employees in Kerala.