Facing Suspension and Financial Strain: How Can I Navigate a Forensic Audit and Resignation?

Hi, I am Dhriti Sen, working in a private limited company as Assistant Manager (Operations) for the past 11 years. I am in charge of a shift of overall operations where I handle the team, customers, and cash management.

Incident and Allegations

Twenty days ago, an incident occurred. A mail was sent to the company's President alleging that three employees, including myself, were involved in an integrity issue, earning money through unauthorized activities.

Forensic Audit and Suspension

Subsequently, our company initiated a forensic audit of operations, which is still ongoing. During this process, I was interrogated and accused of being involved in misconduct and earning illicit money. I want to clarify that I am not involved in any integrity issues. In fact, I have caught and terminated several ground-level employees engaged in such activities.

Currently, I have been suspended from my job for the past 20 days without pay or the option to resign. I reside in Delhi in a rented house and am struggling to meet basic expenses as I have not received my previous month's salary. When I requested to resign, I was informed that further action would be taken only after the audit reports are finalized.

Seeking Guidance

I seek guidance on how to proceed to receive my salary and obtain clearance after resigning. I am facing significant challenges and would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Regards, Dhriti

Advice on Handling Suspension and Integrity Allegations

Sorry to hear about your predicament. My advice would be to fight it out, as you state that you are not involved in any integrity issue. Present your points to the administration, highlighting that you have addressed wrongdoings, informed the administration, and taken corrective actions. I am sure your administration knows your record.

Questions to Consider

What is the progress of the forensic audit? What is the evidence on which you have been blamed and suspended? They are supposed to give you a subsistence allowance anyway. You need to review your activities thoroughly and see whether any loophole has led to your suspension. What kind of extra activity were you supposed to have done as per the email complaint?

Facing the Situation

Resigning now will indirectly make the company more suspicious. Face the problem boldly and in a forthright manner. Regarding financial issues, it is unfortunate, but you may need to borrow from parents or close relatives to tide over. Everyone needs to keep a reserve of money to face such unexpected situations.

Best of luck.