Schaeffler India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Harsha Gopal Kadam was taken into custody on Monday in connection with a factory accident in Talegaon, Pune, on June 9 that killed two workers, according to the company's exchange filing dated October 20.
The Indian subsidiary of German auto components maker Schaeffler said in the disclosure that Kadam had been taken into custody by the Talegaon MIDC Police Station under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The company said the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include Kadam on the basis that he is considered the occupier of the factory premises under applicable law.
What happened in June?
The accident occurred on June 9, 2026, at Schaeffler India's Talegaon factory in Pune district. Two workers employed by a service provider died following the sudden release of carbon dioxide gas during a scheduled cylinder replacement, the company said in the filing.
Police had reportedly registered a case in July against six people, including company officials and representatives of contractors involved in maintenance of the fire-suppression system.
The Indian Express reported the first information report raised questions about ventilation, emergency exits, the availability of trained personnel and rescue arrangements at the site. These are allegations reported as part of the investigation and have not been established as findings of criminal liability.
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What Schaeffler India has said
Schaeffler India said it was evaluating the developments in consultation with its legal advisers and would take all necessary steps in accordance with applicable law.
“The Company and its officers have duly co-operated in the investigation and will continue to do so,” it said in the exchange filing.
The company also said it had complied, and continued to comply, with all applicable laws. Kadam's detention has not affected the company's day-to-day operations, according to the disclosure. Schaeffler India said its senior management remained in charge of day-to-day management and that business operations continued in the ordinary course.