Wrongly Accused of Taking Bribes at Work: How Can I Clear My Name with Management?

Dear Sir,

I am working with XXX Company Ltd., a PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum, as Branch Incharge. I have been wrongly accused without proof of being involved in taking bribes from vendors, which is a false accusation.

I am seeking guidance on how to address this issue with management. Can you please guide me?

Thanks and regards,
Chandrasekhar Kandiri

Dear Chandrasekhar Kandiri, you have written that you have been falsely accused. However, what is the present status? Have you been suspended pending inquiry? What kind of communication has your PSU given to you?

If the administration of your PSU has not ordered an inquiry, then you may submit an application for an immediate inquiry. If the inquiry has been ordered but the proceedings are progressing capriciously, you may submit an application for expeditious completion of the proceedings. In either application, you may state that your conduct has been unblemished and living with this taint causes you stress.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

In continuation of what Mr. Divekar has suggested, every domestic inquiry process includes a provision for engaging a defense helper to assist the delinquent employee in defending themselves. This defense helper can be from within the organization or sourced externally.

Within every organization, there are employees skilled in defending others during inquiries; you may enlist their help or seek assistance from an external party.

To offer you sound advice, it is essential to review the letters/documents issued to you by the organization; please share these with me. Keep urging the management to initiate and expedite the domestic inquiry process.

Warm Regards, Bharat Gera HR Consultant [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]

In addition to what has been advised by our professional friends above, the first and foremost thing you should keep in mind is how this situation has come to this stage. Why has it happened? Has it been sudden? Was there any problem between you and your superior on any issue? The old saying goes, "there is no smoke without fire." Why suddenly, out of the blue, should this happen to you? There should be some basis. Everybody is innocent until and unless proven guilty. So, if you are clear in your mind and heart that you have not done anything at all, then don't take on the stress. "Tension lena ka nahi, dena ka hai!!" If you have been honest and sincere in all your dealings, why worry?

Best wishes

Thank you for the valuable suggestions provided by Mr. Bharat Gera and Mr. N.K. Sundaram.

The issue with my superior, who is the COO, is causing me trouble. I have been handling the situation well, but there is also a complaint from my client. The problem originates from the COO and his close aide, who is the marketing head for the southern region. Initially, I was reporting to my boss in Hyderabad, and my branch, located in Visakhapatnam, was under the control of the Hyderabad office. Suddenly, my reporting structure changed to the Marketing Head for Chennai and Hyderabad/Visakhapatnam.

It seems that they have strategically planned to damage my reputation as I have been performing well and my main goal is to provide excellent service to clients. I always prioritize client satisfaction, which goes against the COO's preferences. Despite the completion of the inquiry two months ago, I am still under suspension since March 2017. There has been no charge sheet issued yet, even though the allegation of accepting bribes from vendors has been refuted by the vendors themselves, confirming my innocence.

Thank you, Chandrasekhar Kanduri

You can seek the professional advice of a good labor lawyer who excels in handling such cases. They will provide you with suitable guidance to address the matter.

In the meantime, begin searching for an alternate job. Even if the case is resolved in your favor (although chances are slim), you may not feel comfortable continuing to work for them. The best option is to explore opportunities in a better company.

Best wishes