Tech Scandal in Bengaluru: Infosys Employee Arrested for Privacy Breach

 In a shocking incident that has rocked Bengaluru’s IT community, a 30-year-old Infosys employee, Swapnil Nagesh Mali, was arrested on July 2, 2025, for allegedly recording obscene videos of female colleagues in a women’s restroom at the company’s Electronic City campus. The case, which came to light on June 30, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and raised critical questions about workplace safety and privacy in corporate environments. This blog explores the details of the incident, its implications, and the broader conversation it has ignited, based on recent reports and posts on X.

The Incident: A Breach of Trust

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. on June 30, 2025, at Infosys’ Building 38, IQE wing, when a 35-year-old female employee, a Technical Test Lead, noticed a suspicious reflection on the restroom door while using the facility. Sensing movement from an adjacent cubicle, she climbed onto the commode to investigate and was horrified to discover Mali, a Senior Associate Consultant in the Helix department, allegedly filming her with his mobile phone while standing on the toilet seat. Reports indicate that Mali had removed his trousers during the act, intensifying the gravity of the violation.

Panicked, the woman raised an alarm, alerting colleagues who prevented Mali from fleeing. When his phone was inspected by Infosys’ HR department, over 30 explicit videos of different women, including one of the complainant and another female employee, were allegedly found, alongside more than 50 downloaded clips of similar content. Screenshots were taken as evidence before the videos were deleted in the complainant’s presence. The woman, supported by her husband, filed a formal complaint with the Electronic City police on July 1, leading to Mali’s arrest the following day.

Legal and Corporate Response

Mali, originally from Sangli, Maharashtra, and a Bachelor of Engineering graduate, was charged under Section 77 (voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66E (privacy violation) of the Information Technology Act. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to recording at least one other woman and admitted to deriving “satisfaction” from watching such videos. His phone has been sent for forensic analysis to recover deleted files and determine the extent of his actions, including whether the videos were shared or circulated. As the charges carry a punishment of less than seven years, Mali was granted station bail, though the court emphasized the need for proper arrest protocols to avoid potential acquittals.

Infosys acted swiftly, terminating Mali’s employment and issuing a statement: “We are aware of this incident and have taken necessary action against the employee, who is now separated from the company. We also promptly supported the complainant by facilitating a swift complaint with law enforcement authorities and continue to cooperate as they investigate further. Infosys is committed to providing an environment free of harassment and has a zero-tolerance policy.” The company’s initial attempt to resolve the matter internally by asking Mali to apologize drew criticism, particularly from the complainant’s husband, who insisted on legal action to prevent further misconduct.

Broader Implications: Workplace Safety and Privacy

The incident has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru’s IT sector, highlighting significant concerns about workplace safety, particularly for female employees. The discovery of over 30 videos suggests a pattern of predatory behavior, raising questions about how long such actions went undetected and whether other women were targeted. Posts on X reflect public outrage, with users like @Pulsebyshinde noting the “deeply disturbing” nature of the incident and calling for stricter corporate oversight.

This case follows a similar incident in May 2025, where a man was arrested for recording women on Bengaluru’s Metro and uploading the videos to an Instagram page called @metro_chicks, underscoring a troubling trend of privacy violations enabled by technology. The Infosys scandal has reignited discussions about the need for enhanced security measures, such as regular restroom inspections, restricted access to gender-specific facilities, and advanced surveillance systems that respect privacy while deterring misconduct.

Public and Corporate Accountability

The incident has also spotlighted corporate accountability. Critics argue that Infosys’ initial attempt to handle the matter internally reflects a broader tendency to prioritize reputation over justice. The complainant’s husband’s intervention was pivotal in escalating the case to the police, highlighting the importance of external advocacy in ensuring accountability. Social media sentiment, as seen in posts by @CNNnews18 and @Oneindia, labels the incident a “wake-up call” for workplaces to enforce stricter protocols and foster safer environments for women.

The case has prompted calls for companies to implement mandatory training on workplace ethics, strengthen internal complaint mechanisms, and collaborate with law enforcement to deter such violations. It also underscores the need for cultural shifts to address voyeurism and gender-based harassment, which remain pervasive issues in professional settings.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Change

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full scope of Mali’s actions and ensuring justice for the victims. The forensic analysis of his phone may reveal additional evidence, potentially leading to further charges. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities employees face in seemingly secure corporate environments.

The Bengaluru Infosys scandal is a catalyst for broader conversations about privacy, safety, and accountability in India’s IT industry. It calls for systemic changes, from robust workplace policies to societal efforts to combat voyeurism and protect women’s dignity. As Bengaluru navigates this crisis, the hope is that it will lead to meaningful reforms, ensuring workplaces are safe sanctuaries for all.