Days after viral abuse video, Bharat Pe co-founder goes on long leave

New Delhi : Fintech company BharatPe's founder Ashneer Grover has gone on a voluntary long leave, days after his abuse video went viral on social media. An audio clip was exposed on social media underlining a huge fight between him and Kotak Mahindra Bank.

The company released a statement to notify that Mr Grover has taken a voluntary leave till March end.

"For now, the board has accepted Ashneer's decision which we agree is in the best interests of the ‘company, our employees and investors, and the millions of merchants we support each day," it said.

"Ashneer has co-built BharatPe from scratch and his decision is consistent with his passionate commitment to the future success of the company. The Board has accepted Ashneer's decision, which we agree is in the best interests of the company, our employees and investors, and the millions of merchants we support each day."

The statement added that in Mr Grover's absence, the company "will continue to be ably led by our CEO Suhail Sameer and our strong management team".

He was criticized mercilessly on social media after the Kotak Mahindra bank alleged that he had used inappropriate language in a phone call to a Kotak Group employee.