Nikhil Nanda, the Chairman and Managing Director of Escorts Kubota and son-in-law of Amitabh Bachchan has been booked under the provisions of fraudulent practice and abetment to suicide in Uttar Pradesh. The charges claim the life of the owner of a tractor agency Jitender Singh, who reportedly committed suicide under duress from Nanda and other company executives to meet unrealistic sales targets.
Details of the Case
The case was registered by Dataganj Police in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh following a court order. Gyanendra filed the complaint on behalf of the deceased Jitendra Singh, who operated Jai Kisan Traders, a tractor agency for which he was found running it alone. According to the complaint, Jitendra managed the agency single-handedly for some time after Lalla Babu, his friend and business partner, was sent to jail over a family dispute.
Gyanendra states that on several occasions Nikhil Nanda and some other company officials would compel Jitendra to meet sales as stated in the complaint. Among the company officials who made their way into the complaint include Ashish Baliyan (area manager), Sumit Raghav (sales manager), Dinesh Pant (UP head), Pankaj Bhaskar (financier collection officer), Amit Pant (sales manager), Neeraj Mehra (sales head), and Shishant Gupta (Shahjahanpur dealer). These officials allegedly threatened to revoke Jitendra’s dealership license and auction his property if the assigned targets were not achieved.
Allegations of Pressure and Threats
According to the complaint, Jitendra, put under excessive stress by the officials of Escorts Kubota, confessed his mental agony to friends and family members. Gyanendra stated that on November 21, 2024, a group of company officials visited Jitendra and again pressured him to increase sales. The next day, on November 22, Jitendra tragically died by suicide.
The family of Jitendra said that police did not act on their initial complaint until they brought it to court. After a directive from the court, a case was formally registered against all accused, including Nikhil Nanda.
Family’s Perspective
As well as holding the company liable for his son’s death, Jitendra’s father, Shiv Singh, said he was grieved by the incident. He further added that he was less aware of the connections of Nikhil Nanda but insisted that he would fight for justice for his son.
Official Statement from Escorts Kubota
After the case was filed, Escorts Kubota Limited issued an official statement regarding the allegations. It asserted that no communication regarding the case was available in the official channels. The company’s legal team is collecting all the necessary details and assuring cooperation with any inquiries or investigation.
The company’s commitment to transparency and corporate governance was underscored in the statement. By this, it would ask the stakeholders and the public not to jump to conclusions too soon based on the investigation.
Nikhil Nanda’s Background
Nikhil Nanda is the son of Ritu Nanda, the daughter of Raj Kapoor. He is married to Shweta Bachchan, daughter of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. The two have two children named Navya Naveli Nanda and Agastya Nanda.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Gaurav Vishnoi, the in-charge of Dataganj police station, confirmed that an inquiry into the case is being conducted. The fact-finding process is under way and evidence is being gathered to interrogate the accused about what transpired before the death of Jitendra Singh.
Public and Media Response
The case has caught many eyes in the wake of Nikhil Nanda being closely related to the Bachchan and Kapoor families. The media is very busy covering everything, while the public continues to follow the events.
Conclusion
Investigations are underway in the case of fraud and abetment to suicide against Nikhil Nanda. The outcome of the inquiry on these proceedings through to the judicial process will tell the story of the level of culpability and the action to be warranted. Such an event reiterates the need for integrity in business and accountability in corporate dealings.
Author:-
Syeda Ayesha is a passionate 3rd year BBA LLB student at Sultan-Ul-Uloom College of Law in Hyderabad, with a special interest in criminal law and family law. She has built her academic journey on a solid foundation of legal principles, progressing from basic to advanced levels, and is eager to apply this knowledge in practice. Determined to gain practical experience, she is committed to learning more about the law. Ayesha is excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic legal environment, which she sees as a valuable avenue for both personal and professional growth.
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