India: After Kerala ‘dog leash’ outrage, a new twist emerges

Dubai: A video allegedly depicting inhumane treatment of employees at a private marketing firm in Kochi, Kerala, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a formal investigation.

However, in a surprising turn, several employees have come forward to refute the harassment claims, calling the video misleading, according to an NDTV report.

The now-viral footage shows a man being led on his knees with a leash around his neck, while other reports suggest that some workers were forced to lick coins off the floor as punishment for missing sales targets. The disturbing visuals, aired by a local news channel, led Kerala’s Labour Department to launch a probe into the matter.

The firm at the centre of the controversy, Keltra, has denied all allegations of workplace abuse.

According to multiple local media outlets, several employees have spoken in support of the company, claiming that the video was part of a deliberate attempt to defame the organization.

Some workers stated they had never faced mistreatment and emphasised that they felt safe at their workplace.

As the investigation continues, the incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring ethical workplace practices — and the need for caution in the digital age where narratives can easily be manipulated.