Schaeffler India CEO and Managing Director Harsha Gopal Kadam was taken into custody on Monday in connection with a factory accident in Talegaon, Pune district, that killed two workers in June, according to a company exchange filing dated October 20.
The company said Kadam was taken into custody by the Talegaon MIDC Police Station under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate. The action was taken under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, after the investigation was expanded to include him on the basis that he is considered the occupier of the factory premises under applicable law.
The accident occurred on June 9, 2026, at Schaeffler India’s Talegaon manufacturing facility. Two workers employed by a service provider died after a sudden release of carbon dioxide gas during a scheduled cylinder replacement, the company said in its filing.
Police had reportedly registered a case in July against six people, including company officials and representatives of contractors involved in maintaining the fire-suppression system. The investigation has raised questions about safety arrangements at the site, including ventilation, emergency exits, the availability of trained personnel and rescue provisions, according to reporting by The Indian Express. These matters remain part of the investigation and have not been established as findings of criminal liability.
The case places attention on the responsibilities of factory occupiers and contractors during work involving fire-suppression systems and other industrial equipment. The two deceased workers were employed by a service provider, but the company’s filing indicates that the investigation is also examining the legal responsibility attached to the occupation and management of the factory premises.
Schaeffler India said it was evaluating the development 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,” the company said in the filing. It also stated that it had complied, and continued to comply, with all applicable laws.
The company said Kadam’s custody had not affected its day-to-day operations. Senior management remained responsible for daily management, and business operations continued in the ordinary course, according to the disclosure. The police investigation and the legal process will determine the further action in the case.
