Nikhil Somwanshi, a 24-year-old machine learning engineer at Ola’s artificial intelligence division Krutrim, allegedly died by suicide after sending a chilling message to his roommate, asking him to tell others that he had died in an accident, India Today reported.
A native of Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Somwanshi left his shared accommodation in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout on the evening of May 7. When his roommate was unable to reach him by phone, he tracked Somwanshi’s live location to Agara Lake, where he discovered a pair of slippers near the water. Authorities were alerted immediately, but the search had to be delayed due to poor visibility. His body was recovered the following morning, on May 8.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death. “The case was reported on May 7. We are awaiting the postmortem report,” said Bengaluru South East DCP Sarah Fatima.
Although the incident occurred two weeks ago, it gained widespread attention after a Reddit post claimed that toxic work culture at Krutrim may have contributed to Somwanshi’s death. The post alleged that Somwanshi, who joined the company in August 2024 as a fresher, was thrust into a leadership role after senior staff resigned. It also accused a US-based manager named Rajkiran of verbal abuse and poor management.
The Reddit user claimed that even after the incident, the company discouraged discussions about Somwanshi’s death and failed to address concerns about workplace pressure. The post described the environment at Krutrim as “pathetic.”
Somwanshi, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), had earned a GPA of 9.30 and worked on a chatbot project supported by the Melinda Gates Foundation.
Krutrim, which became India’s first AI unicorn after raising $50 million in early 2024, confirmed Somwanshi’s death and extended condolences to his family. The company said he was on personal leave and had reported feeling unwell. It has not responded to the workplace allegations.
The case has reignited concerns over mental health and management practices in India’s startup ecosystem.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or in distress contact the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline (+91-9999666555) which is available in 11 languages including English and can be accessed via telephone or WhatsApp 24×7. You can also contact Fortis Hospital’s National Helpline number 91-8376804102 which is available 24×7. You can also contact the Government Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ at 18005990019 which is available 24×7.