‘Everyone’s mother dies. Don’t be dramatic’: Boss denies leave after employee’s mother passes away, asks him to be ‘practical’

A public sector bank in India is facing heavy criticism after an internal complaint letter went viral on social media. The letter accuses RS Ajith, the Chennai Zonal Head of UCO Bank, of creating a toxic workplace environment marked by insensitivity and abusive behavior toward employees.

The complaint, addressed to UCO Bank’s top management, details several instances where Ajith allegedly denied leave to staff members during personal emergencies. The letter describes how officers were treated as servants rather than professionals, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression within the Chennai zone.

According to NDTV, in one particularly disturbing case outlined in the complaint, a branch head who lost his mother was reportedly told by Ajith, “Everyone’s mother dies. Don’t be dramatic, be practical. Join immediately or I will mark LWP (Leave without pay).” The zonal head then allegedly issued an official letter against the grieving employee. Another incident involved a branch manager whose mother was in the ICU. When he requested leave, Ajith allegedly demanded, “First tell me when you will return, only then I will grant leave.”

Social media erupts with calls for action

The complaint, which was shared on X by users including Venkatesh Alla and bankpediaa, quickly gained attention online. Many social media users tagged regulatory authorities including the Reserve Bank of India, the Ministry of Finance, and the Department of Financial Services, demanding immediate action.

The letter also describes how a branch head whose one-year-old daughter was hospitalized was allegedly told, “Are you a doctor? Why are you at the hospital? Go to office immediately else I will mark LWP (Leave without pay).” In another case, when an officer sought emergency leave because his wife was suffering from a life-threatening gynecological condition and needed hospitalization, Ajith reportedly responded with insulting remarks, saying, “You are useless.”

Online reactions have been harsh, with many calling the behavior “barbaric dictatorship” and “institutional cruelty.” One widely shared comment stated, “Discipline without humanity is decay. Rules can govern leave, they cannot excuse cruelty.” The situation has drawn comparisons to other instances of workplace mistreatment where employees faced unfair dismissal.

As of now, neither UCO Bank nor its Chennai zonal office has issued an official statement addressing these serious allegations. The silence from the bank has only made people more angry online, with many demanding a full investigation and accountability. The incident has started bigger conversations about workplace culture, employee welfare, and the need for caring leadership in India’s public sector banking industry. Similar cases of managers making questionable decisions about employee conduct have previously raised questions about proper workplace management.