In a development that has sent shockwaves across India’s startup ecosystem, a former employee of a Bengaluru-based startup has publicly accused the company’s CEO of severe mental torture, emotional manipulation, and continued harassment even after resignation. The now-viral post, where the employee refers to the CEO as “satan” has reignited a nationwide conversation on toxic work cultures in Indian startups.
From Dream Job to Daily Trauma
A former employee shared his experience on social media, saying the CEO often micromanaged team members, created a culture of fear, and used HR to intimidate staff. He claimed the work environment included verbal humiliation, unrealistic deadlines, and psychological gaslighting.
The most shocking detail? He alleged that the harassment continued even after he quit, with emails, delays in his final payments, and negative reference calls that effectively blacklisted him from the industry.
Toxic Culture in Indian Startups: A Recurring Pattern
This issue is not unique. In recent years, many startups in India, from successful unicorns to newer companies, have been criticized for promoting a culture of overwork and neglecting mental health support. High employee turnover, burnout, and internal conflicts often stay hidden behind shiny success stories and funding announcements.
Despite the growing awareness, most startups still lack formal grievance redressal mechanisms, mental health policies, or HR autonomy from the founder’s influence.
Startups Must Rethink Leadership and Culture
India’s startup ecosystem is maturing, but leadership styles remain stuck in a “hustle-at-any-cost” mentality. Founders need to recognize that product-market fit isn’t sustainable without a healthy, empowered workforce. With Gen Z and millennial employees increasingly valuing mental well-being, transparency, and respectful leadership, the era of tyrannical bosses may soon face a reckoning.
Legal Action and Social Media Backlash
The accused startup has yet to respond publicly. Legal experts suggest the employee could file a case under India’s workplace harassment laws, especially if the post-resignation conduct can be proven. Meanwhile, the startup is facing severe backlash on social media, with users calling for platforms like LinkedIn to do more in filtering abusive corporate practices.
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