Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jun 20: "There are 64 CCTV security cameras in our factory, and there is no evidence of torturing Praveen or punishing him by making him stand on one leg," stated Sampath Shetty, owner of Krishnaprasad Cashew Factory in Vandaru, Brahmavar.
Clarifying the allegations regarding the alleged punishment of an electrician for causing losses to the company, Sampath Shetty said, "Due to the negligence of the electrician Praveen, the company suffered a major loss. Six generators were in use throughout the night because of his carelessness. One generator consumes around 23 litres of fuel per hour. As a result of this mistake, our manager asked him to repay the loss and resign immediately. He sat in the security room and even had tea. When I arrived at the office, my manager informed me about the incident and the action taken against him. I had several scheduled meetings that day and was fully occupied. As I was leaving the premises to go to my other firm, I noticed Praveen and simply asked why he made such a mistake. I never scolded him, nor did any of my managers ask him to stand on one leg as punishment. The entire conversation between me and Praveen lasted only four seconds. Since he was asked to bear the loss, he contacted his colleagues and others, alleging that he was punished and assaulted, and spread other false information. There are 64 CCTV cameras on the premises. If there is any evidence of ill-treatment in any of the footage, we are ready to comply with the law and accept responsibility. All his movements are recorded on CCTV."
Speaking about the boycott messages circulating on social media, Sampath Shetty said, "Several messages from a particular community have called for a boycott of our company. However, many employees from the same community work with us. The Krishnaprasad Foundation, associated with our company, is involved in numerous social service activities, and many beneficiaries from that same community have received support from our foundation. We have never discriminated or mistreated anyone based on caste or religion. All our employees are treated fairly, with equal access to benefits and facilities. Ability and talent are always recognised in our company. All managerial-level staff, including myself, have the same lunch in the same canteen as the other employees. There is absolutely no discrimination. Anyone is welcome to visit the company, and we are prepared to provide all necessary video evidence to anyone who requests it," he added.
Sampath Shetty, owner of Krishnaprasad Cashews, was accused of ill-treating an employee named Praveen and allegedly punishing him by making him stand on one leg for hours near the company gate. A complaint in this regard was filed by one of Praveen's relatives at the Shankaranarayana police station.