Schaeffler India CEO Harsha Kadam Taken Into Police Custody Over Fatal June Factory Accident

Schaeffler India Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Harsha Gopal Kadam was taken into police custody, in connection with an investigation into a fatal industrial accident at the company's Talegaon manufacturing facility, according to a regulatory disclosure filed Tuesday.

An email and message seeking a response have been sent to Schaeffler. We will update the story as and when we get any response.

Kadam was taken into custody at approximately 6:40 p.m. on October 19, 2026, by officers from the Talegaon MIDC Police Station under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate. The custody action was executed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The regulatory disclosure traces back to an accident on the factory premises on June 9, 2026. Two workers employed by a company service provider lost their lives due to a sudden carbon dioxide (CO2) gas discharge during a scheduled cylinder replacement.

Police expanded the scope of the probe to involve Kadam on the legal grounds that he is designated as the "occupier" of the factory premises under applicable law.

Schaeffler India stated that the company, its officers, employees, and the Managing Director have co-operated with authorities throughout the investigation. The company noted that it is evaluating developments alongside legal counsel and will take necessary legal steps to resolve the situation.

Regarding administrative continuity, the company reported that senior personnel remain in charge of daily management and that business operations continue in the ordinary course.