A Bengaluru-based startup employee, working as a junior data scientist, allegedly suffered a severe panic attack and was hospitalised after enduring months of verbal abuse and psychological harassment from his CEO during a video call.
The incident, detailed in a viral Reddit post, highlights a toxic work culture where the non-technical CEO allegedly imposed unrealistic deadlines, micromanaged, and repeatedly screamed at employees. The employee resigned but claimed continued vindictive behaviour from HR, including allegedly withholding experience letters and delaying PF transfers.
The story has sparked widespread outrage online, with many calling for better mental health protections at workplaces. No official statements from labour authorities or company representatives have been made as of yet.
Behind the Screens: A Story of Workplace Trauma and Silence
The employee, who allegedly joined the Bengaluru startup in early 2024, described seven months of relentless psychological torture. “He would explode in rage if he didn’t understand something technical. Screaming, personal insults—daily mental torture,” the employee allegedly wrote on Reddit.
The CEO, allegedly with no technical background, frequently changed project requirements without notice and set impossible deadlines. Despite allegedly working 12–14 hours a day, including weekends, the employee’s commitment was allegedly met with only criticism.
“My chest started tightening, I began struggling for air, and I completely collapsed in my chair. Thank God, my mother heard the chaos from the adjacent room and rushed me to the hospital immediately,” he allegedly recounted. The incident allegedly occurred a week after his resignation, during a Google Meet where the CEO allegedly escalated a one-sided confrontation.
Aftermath and Public Outcry: The Fight for Accountability
Even after leaving the company, the employee allegedly claimed the harassment did not end. The HR department, allegedly run by a single person, allegedly downplayed his medical emergency and framed his final settlement as an act of charity. He also accused HR of allegedly deliberately delaying his PF transfer and withholding his experience letter, actions he said jeopardised his future job prospects.
The Reddit post has allegedly resonated with thousands, sparking debates about workplace abuse and mental health in India’s startup ecosystem. Many users expressed solidarity and urged others in similar situations to prioritise their well-being.
“Your mental health is infinitely more important than any salary. Trust your instincts. If someone consistently makes you feel worthless, the issue is with them, not you,” the employee allegedly concluded. As of now, there are no reports of labour officials or company representatives responding to the allegations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that every workplace should be a space of respect, empathy, and dignity. The Bengaluru techie’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger protections against workplace harassment and better mental health support for employees.
While India’s startup culture thrives on ambition and long hours, it must not come at the cost of human well-being. We urge companies to foster environments where open dialogue and kindness prevail over fear and toxicity.
