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A viral video from Kerala showing alleged workplace abuse at a company was deemed fake by police and labour officials. The footage was staged as a prank, not actual abuse.
Viral video of workplace abuse in Kerala deemed fake by authorities.
A disturbing video from Kerala that showed a man in a dog leash at his office set social media ablaze with allegations of workplace abuse. However, the video has now been deemed as fake by both police and labour department officials. The footage, allegedly shot inside a marketing firm in Kochi, showed a man with a belt fastened around his neck being led like a dog, allegedly as punishment for failing to meet sales targets. The clip, widely circulated online, also appeared to show the man being forced to eat off the ground and lick coins, prompting a public outcry and swift official response.
The viral nature of the video, accompanied by claims of “modern-day slavery” and exploitative wages as low as Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per month pushed Kerala’s Labour Department into launching an immediate probe. A local news channel first aired the footage, after which officials confirmed that an inquiry was underway into allegations of inhumane treatment at the firm, identified as Hindustan Power Links, reportedly located in the Perumbavoor area near Kaloor.
Initial public reactions were marked by outrage, with many on social media demanding accountability and justice for what was seen as a grotesque display of employer abuse. However, the narrative began to shift as more information emerged.
According to statements from Kochi police, the video did not capture an actual case of workplace abuse. Investigators discovered that the footage had been staged and recorded nearly four months ago, not as punishment but as part of an apparent internal prank or misrepresentation involving new trainees.
Watch the viral video:
Modern day slavery🤬Employees at Hindustan Power Links claim they are punished for missing sales targets..allege they were forced to crawl, lick spit & bark like dogs
They earn just Rs 6000 to Rs 8000 a month. #What govt orders probe pic.twitter.com/su37r32qJR
– Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) April 5, 2025
The police revealed that the manager seen orchestrating the scene had long-standing disputes with the company’s owner and had since left the organisation. His motives, police believe, were to malign the firm’s reputation by releasing the video online.
Further complicating the narrative were statements from current employees, who stepped forward to defend the company. Several workers said they had never experienced or witnessed any form of abuse during their tenure, calling the viral claims baseless. “The video was made to appear shocking, but there is no evidence of systemic abuse or coercion,” a senior police official said, confirming that no criminal actions had been detected during their investigation.
Meanwhile, Kerala’s Labour Department issued a statement corroborating the police findings, asserting that the video was indeed “fake” and did not reflect the actual workplace conditions within the company. However, officials reiterated their commitment to worker rights and vowed to remain vigilant against any future violations.
- Location :
Kerala, India, India
