Senapathy "Kris" Gopalakrishnan, a prominent Indian businessman, is one of the co-founders of Infosys, a global leader in IT services established in 1981. He served as the CEO and Managing Director from 2007 to 2011 and later as Vice Chairman until 2014. Kris has played a crucial role in transforming Infosys into a company with revenues exceeding $11 billion. He has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Currently, he is the Chairman of Axilor Ventures, focusing on nurturing startups in India.
In January 2025, Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with 17 others, was booked under the SC/ST Atrocities Act in Bengaluru. The case was filed following allegations of caste-based abuse and wrongful dismissal. The complaint was lodged by Durgappa, a member of the Bovi community, who claims he faced discrimination after being falsely implicated in a honey trap case in 2014.
Durgappa's case was registered at the Sadashiva Nagar police station on January 27, 2025, following a court directive. He alleges that he was wrongfully implicated in a honey trap scandal, resulting in his dismissal from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where Gopalakrishnan serves on the Board of Trustees. Durgappa claims that he faced caste-based harassment and threats from colleagues after the incident.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of caste discrimination in Indian society, particularly in professional settings. The allegations against Gopalakrishnan and others raise significant concerns about creating an inclusive and fair environment. The legal proceedings will continue, and the outcome will be closely watched.
The case emphasizes the importance of addressing caste dynamics and discrimination, advocating for empathy and understanding to create a more equitable society.