Udupi: Cashew Factory Owner Denies Abuse Allegations, Offers CCTV Proof
Udupi – Sampath Shetty, the proprietor of Krishnaprasad Cashew Factory in Vandaru, Brahmavar, refuted claims that an electrician named Praveen was subjected to any form of punishment or mistreatment at the workplace.
Addressing media allegations, Shetty clarified, “Our facility has 64 CCTV cameras monitoring all activity. There is no footage supporting the claim that Praveen was forced to stand on one leg or was harassed. He made a costly error—keeping six generators running all night. Each consumes about 23 litres of fuel per hour. Our manager asked him to compensate for the loss and tender his resignation.”
Shetty added that Praveen was not mistreated after the incident. “He was sitting in the security cabin, even drinking tea. When I arrived, I briefly asked him why the mistake happened. That was the extent of our interaction—lasting just four seconds. Neither I nor any manager reprimanded him harshly or imposed physical punishment.”
On the social media backlash and boycott calls from certain community members, Shetty responded firmly. “Many of our staff belong to the same community. Our foundation has supported countless individuals, irrespective of religion or caste. No discrimination exists here—everyone, including management, eats in the same canteen. Talent and dedication are what we value.”
He emphasized that any individual or authority is welcome to review the factory’s CCTV footage, and the company is ready to cooperate fully with any legal probe.
A complaint related to the incident was filed by a relative of Praveen at the Shankaranarayana police station.
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