Aviva CEO Faces Religious Discrimination Probe Amid Legal Tensions

Indian police have summoned Asit Rath, CEO of Aviva India, in connection to a former employee's accusations of workplace religious discrimination. The investigation adds to Aviva's challenges, including tax scrutiny over alleged illegal payments to brokers, while the company denies the claims as factually incorrect.

Amid escalating legal challenges, Indian police have summoned Asit Rath, the chief executive of Aviva India, to participate in a probe concerning allegations made by a former employee of religious discrimination in the workplace, as revealed by documents reviewed by Reuters.

The investigation is underway in Faridkot, Punjab, presenting a new complication for Aviva, which is already under the tax authorities' scanner for allegedly illicit broker payments, a claim the company denies. Documents show that police have requested Rath and another Aviva official to appear for questioning, although it's yet unclear if they complied with the order.

Aviva, contesting the accusations, asserts the claims are baseless and without merit. The discontent stems from Gurbir Singh, a former employee who claims religious bias and has reported the matter to the police. Both Rath and local police have refrained from commenting as the legal proceedings develop.

(With inputs from agencies.)