Pune: More than 700 employees and interns of an IT company operating in Pune’s Hinjewadi technology hub were left without jobs after the firm allegedly shut down operations abruptly, leaving salaries, stipends and employee benefits unpaid. Following complaints from affected staff members, police have arrested the company’s chief executive officer on charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
The accused, Harshal Thakare, served as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Training and Development at Thynk Tech India OPC Pvt Ltd. Authorities are also examining the role of a human resources manager as part of the ongoing investigation.
Complaint by intern triggers police action
The case came to light after a 25-year-old intern lodged a complaint against the company. Several other employees and interns subsequently approached the police with similar allegations regarding unpaid salaries and misleading employment practices.
Based on the complaints, police registered a case against Thakare under provisions related to cheating and criminal breach of trust. Investigators are currently examining the company’s financial records and transactions to determine the scale of the alleged fraud.
Officials have not yet disclosed the total amount involved in the case.
Employees allege months of unpaid salaries
Several former employees claimed that the company stopped paying salaries and stipends beginning earlier this year.
According to the complaints, staff members repeatedly approached management regarding delayed payments but were allegedly given fresh deadlines and assurances that were never fulfilled. Some employees reported that they had not received salaries for one to three months before the company ceased operations.
The situation left hundreds of young professionals and interns facing sudden financial uncertainty.
Allegations of laptop deposit scam
One of the most serious allegations against the company involves a payment reportedly collected from employees and interns.
Affected workers alleged that they were asked to deposit ₹15,000 each on the assurance that they would receive company-issued laptops. However, several complainants claim the promised devices were either not provided or the deposits were not refunded.
Investigators are examining these allegations as part of the broader case.
Engineering graduates among those affected
Reports suggest that many of the employees were recent engineering graduates recruited through placement drives conducted across Maharashtra.
Candidates from districts including Yavatmal, Nashik and Jalgaon reportedly joined the company believing it to be a legitimate employer because it participated in recruitment programmes at reputed educational institutions.
Former interns said the company’s presence during campus placements helped build confidence among job seekers, who assumed that background verification had already been conducted by participating colleges.
Office found sealed
The extent of the crisis became apparent when employees reportedly arrived at the company’s Hinjewadi office and found the premises shut.
According to reports, a notice from the property owner had been placed on the office premises, citing pending rent and maintenance dues. Employees were left without clarity regarding their employment status, salary payments or future prospects.
The sudden closure intensified concerns among workers who had already been struggling with delayed compensation.
Employee body sought intervention
The Forum for IT Employees played a role in bringing the issue to the attention of authorities.
FITE officials said multiple interns and employees approached the organisation seeking assistance after salary payments stopped. The employee body subsequently approached police and requested legal action against the company’s management.
According to FITE representatives, the company initially paid salaries regularly after commencing operations in Pune last year. However, payment delays allegedly began in January and continued for several months.
Investigation continues
Police are now investigating the financial activities of the company, including recruitment practices, employee deposits and salary obligations.
Authorities are expected to question additional company officials and review records to establish whether more individuals were involved in the alleged misconduct.
The case has once again highlighted concerns about employment practices at some emerging technology firms and the vulnerability of fresh graduates entering the workforce.
For hundreds of affected employees and interns, the focus now remains on recovering unpaid salaries and obtaining clarity regarding their future employment prospects.