KRV alleges discrimination, harassment of Kannadigas at Foxconn unit

Bengaluru

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) led by Praveen Shetty has alleged that Kannada-speaking workers are facing discrimination and harassment at Foxconn’s (Hon Hai Technology Group) manufacturing facility in Doddaballapura.

The KRV, which has held two protests against the iPhone manufacturer, claimed that the company’s top management and Human Resources (HR) department are favouring candidates from Tamil Nadu over those from Karnataka in the hiring process. They also accused the HR wing of failing to address workers’ grievances.

Speaking to blrpost.com, KRV president Praveen Shetty said, “Narmada and Subramani from the HR department are deliberately hiring individuals from Tamil Nadu. This has created resentment among Kannadiga employees, which is why they approached KRV.”

Shetty further alleged that despite Foxconn’s vast resources, the company has failed to provide door-to-door pickup and drop facilities for its women employees, leaving many feeling unsafe during commutes. “Sean and Harper from the Administration Department are responsible for denying these facilities,” he claimed.

Arun and Prabhakaran who are also part of the company has joined hands with them in blocking hiring and facilities to Kannadigas (Arun and Prabhakaran can be seen below in the pictures)

Several employees from Karnataka reportedly sought a door-to-door cab service but were refused. Shetty noted that the company was allotted land in Karnataka to establish India’s largest iPhone manufacturing unit and has benefited significantly from the State, adding that the government must intervene and resolve these issues immediately.

Meanwhile, Sulibele police recently served a notice to the company in connection with a foeticide case. The notice, addressed to Arun, the Head Dominator of Foxconn, sought details of 2,100 employees.

In March 2025, during sewage maintenance work at the BCD apartment complex in Kambalipura, Hoskote — accommodation provided to Foxconn’s women employees — a male foetus was discovered. The police had issued an initial notice in March, but the BCD supervisor requested that officers obtain information directly from Foxconn.