False Criminal Case Filed Against Labor Leaders in Attempt to Remove Them from Union and Jobs
Veteran Hospital Union Leaders Allege Conspiracy; Claim Charges Are Baseless and Motivated
Bengaluru, 11 June, 2025 – Two senior leaders of the Manipal Hospitals Labor Association have accused certain factions within the hospital of orchestrating a conspiracy to remove them from their union positions and jobs by filing a false criminal case. Rajagopal B.M., the association’s president, and his brother Ravindra Babu B.M., its joint secretary, claim the allegations are fabricated and intended to tarnish their reputations after decades of unblemished service.
Baseless Allegations and Political Motives
On April 18, a complaint was filed at Jeevan Bhimanagar Police Station alleging that Rajagopal and Ravindra Babu attempted to forcibly take a female colleague on a motorcycle against her will. The leaders vehemently deny the charges, calling them a “malicious plot” to undermine their authority.
“The complaint claims that on April 18, at 8 PM, we tried to drag a female colleague onto a bike to drop her home. However, that day was Good Friday, and I was at a temple for prayers. How could I have been involved in such an act?” questioned Rajagopal, who has worked at Manipal Hospital for 30 years.
The brothers suspect the case stems from resentment over their leadership roles and caste identity. “Some forces within the hospital want me removed because I belong to a Scheduled Caste and lead the labor union,” Rajagopal alleged.
Demand for Fair Investigation
Despite securing anticipatory bail, the leaders insist the truth will emerge through a proper probe. “Our mobile tower locations will prove our innocence. This is nothing but a conspiracy by a few employees to expel us from both the union and our jobs,” Ravindra Babu stated.
They also criticized a local TV channel for running what they called a “defamatory” report without verifying facts. “We sent a legal notice for reputational harm, but it was returned unaccepted. The media must report responsibly,” Rajagopal added.
Hospital’s Reputation at Stake?
The leaders warned that the false accusations could damage not only their reputations but also the prestige of Manipal Hospitals. “These allegations of sexual harassment are far from the truth. We urge the media to investigate fairly before spreading misinformation,” Ravindra Babu emphasized.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the labor leaders remain confident that the truth will prevail.
Q&A Section
Q: The complaint says you tried to force a colleague onto your bike. Your response?
Rajagopal: “It’s absurd. That day was Good Friday—I was at temple with my family. The hospital records will show I wasn’t even on duty. This is a setup.”
Q: Why would someone file a false case?
Ravindra Babu: “For years, we’ve fought for fair wages and conditions. Some powerful people want us silenced. My brother’s Dalit identity makes him a bigger target.”
Q: What’s your next step?
Rajagopal: “We’ll prove our innocence in court. The mobile tower data will show where we really were. But the damage to our reputations? That’s harder to undo.”
Q: The media ran with the story without your side. Why?
Ravindra: “Sensationalism sells. We sent a legal notice, but they refused it. Now we’re ‘accused’ in the public eye, even before the trial.”
Pull Quotes
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“Thirty years of service, and this is how they treat us?” – Rajagopal B.M.
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“They chose a holiday because the records would show we weren’t there. This was planned.” – Ravindra Babu
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“My mother hasn’t stopped crying since the news broke. Is this the price for fighting for workers?”
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“If the truth doesn’t win, no union leader will ever feel safe again.”
Summary
Two longtime hospital union leaders in Bengaluru claim a harassment case against them is fake—filed on a holiday they weren’t even working. They allege it’s a conspiracy to remove them, citing caste and union tensions. Now, they’re battling for justice in court and in the media.
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