The Indian esports scene is reeling from a former Skyesports Project Coordinator, Mrinal Baranwal’s explosive account of alleged harassment and misconduct at the hands of the organization’s top leadership. In a detailed and emotionally charged social media post, Baranwal detailed a disturbing nine-month tenure marked by inappropriate advances, boundary violations, and a subsequent lack of action from internal “HR.” Her accusations directly target CEO and Founder Shiva Nandy, alongside Head of Esports Vijay Krishnan and Head of Global Business Partnership Sashank Bhandaru, painting a picture of a deeply uncomfortable and potentially toxic work environment for female employees.
Former Employee Accuses SKYESPORTS CEO Shiva Nandy of Harassment
Baranwal, who joined Skyesports in February 2024, initially described a positive start to her employment. However, she alleges that the friendly demeanor of CEO Shiva Nandy and Head of Esports Vijay Krishnan soon took a concerning turn. She claims they would frequently invite her and other female colleagues to informal gatherings outside of work – beaches, clubs, and restaurants – ostensibly to discuss work matters.
These outings, kept secret from the wider office, allegedly became the backdrop for the first red flags. Baranwal recounts a jarring incident involving Sashank Bhandaru, who reportedly told her he struggled to interact professionally with her due to a personal “weakness” for badminton players, a deeply inappropriate comment given his married status and fatherhood.
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A Pattern of Inappropriate Behavior Alleged
The situation reportedly escalated when Baranwal took on a lead role in a new project. A business trip to Mumbai with CEO Shiva Nandy became a focal point of her discomfort. She alleges a suggestive remark about her attire from Vijay Krishnan prior to the trip, followed by an unsettling invitation from Shiva Nandy to have drinks in her hotel room. Despite her attempts to maintain distance and limit the interaction, Baranwal claims she received a call from Vijay Krishnan relaying Shiva’s displeasure at her lack of “openness.”
Baranwal further detailed instances of alleged inappropriate physical contact by Shiva Nandy during casual outings, including unwanted shoulder touching and repeatedly forcing her head onto his shoulder despite her clear attempts to create space. She also claims he subjected her to intrusive personal questions about her marital plans, linking them to her career aspirations at Skyesports and suggesting her relationship could be a hindrance to her professional “grooming.”
The breaking point for Baranwal, as she describes it, occurred during the Dussehra festival. While standing with Vijay Krishnan, she alleges that he showed her photos on his phone and then quickly hid an image she recognized as a picture of her from behind, taken without her consent earlier that day. The alleged taking of this unauthorized photograph during a religious ceremony left Baranwal feeling deeply violated and ultimately triggered her decision to resign.
Concerns Raised About Favoritism and Humiliation
Baranwal also brought forward concerns regarding the rapid ascent and perceived preferential treatment of Aishwarya Rajendran within the company. She alleges a significant shift in Rajendran’s behavior following her promotion and recounts instances of indirect taunting and body-shaming.
The close professional relationship and frequent travel between Rajendran and Shiva Nandy also raised eyebrows for Baranwal, who claims her inquiries about their shared accommodation during an event were met with ridicule and attempts to downplay the situation, including alleged manipulation of rooming lists.
“HR Ghosting”: Alleged Failure of Internal Accountability
Following her resignation in December 2024, Baranwal states she attempted to address her grievances through internal channels. In the absence of a formal HR department at Skyesports, she reached out to individuals in Pune she believed held those responsibilities. Despite initial assurances and even an in-person meeting, Baranwal claims she has been met with silence and inaction for months. She alleges that the only response was a belated and inadequate POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) seminar, from which the accused individuals were reportedly absent.
Taking Her Story Public: A Plea for Accountability
Feeling abandoned by the internal processes she attempted to navigate, Baranwal decided to share her experiences publicly. She speaks of the emotional toll the alleged harassment took on her mental health and her decision to leave the esports industry altogether to pursue further studies.
Her public disclosure is framed as a last resort, a move to ensure her experiences are not buried and to stand in solidarity with other women who may have faced similar situations within the esports community. She expresses disappointment that those she accuses have seemingly continued with their lives without consequence while she has been left to grapple with the aftermath.
Skyesports and Key Figures Silent Amidst Allegations
As of the time of this report, Skyesports and the individuals named in Mrinal Baranwal’s allegations – Shiva Nandy, Vijay Krishnan, and Sashank Bhandaru – have yet to issue any public statement or response to these serious accusations. The esports community is now waiting to see how Skyesports will address these deeply concerning claims.
