A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has triggered a debate over workplace safety, regional identity and hiring practices after saying his company would no longer hire male candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.X user Karthik SG, also known as Karthik Shenoy, founder and CEO of A1 Sports World, announced the decision in a post on X on September 22. He said the move followed what he described as a lengthy internal discussion and disagreement within the company.<h2>What the Bengaluru CEO said</h2>In his post, Shenoy wrote: “I'm sorry for this... But today we have made it very clear after lengthy discussion and quarrel... We will not hire any male candidates in our company who come from these 4 states in north india...”He then listed Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-donation-theft-case-trust-gets-clean-chit-70-000-page-charge-sheet-filed-against-8-accused-1790229649862">Ram Mandir donation theft case: Trust gets clean chit, Champat Rai made prosecution witness; 70,000-page charge sheet filed</a>Shenoy also noted that one Rajasthani woman was already working at the company, adding that she had “100% supposed this”, referring to support for the decision.The announcement quickly drew attention online because it imposed restrictions based on both gender and state of origin. Several users criticised the approach, arguing that candidates should be assessed individually rather than on their regional background.<h2>CEO links decision to alleged employee misconduct</h2>Shenoy later provided an explanation for the policy, linking it to an incident involving a former employee.In subsequent posts, he revealed that the employee was an MBA graduate whose résumé and background checks had appeared satisfactory when he was hired. Shenoy alleged that after around two months, the employee began behaving abusively towards female colleagues despite warnings.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Let me get this right again... This mess started 2 weeks ago when an employee from one of the aforementioned mentioned state was fired, despite giving him warning 2wice he was still abusive to female employees, and he was forcing himself on one of them... We work with quite… <a href="https://t.co/yKeNMMBTl8">https://t.co/yKeNMMBTl8</a>— Karthik SG (@kkarthikkgs) <a href="https://x.com/kkarthikkgs/status/2102582552599179448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He further alleged that the former employee attempted to force himself on a female colleague. The allegations have not been independently verified.Shenoy has also stressed that A1 Sports World works with young children, making the safety of both its employees and children associated with its programmes a major concern.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-kind-of-confession-is-this-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-s-terrorists-would-be-roaming-new-york-remark-goes-viral-raises-alarm-online-watch-1790136284702">'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch</a><h2>Workplace safety versus blanket hiring rules</h2>The episode has widened the discussion beyond the alleged incident involving the former employee. At its centre is a question over how companies should balance workplace safety with recruitment practices.Employers have responsibilities to protect workers from harassment and misconduct. At the same time, critics of the Bengaluru company's stated policy have questioned whether an incident involving one employee can justify excluding male applicants from four entire states.Company policy draws scrutinyShenoy has reportedly said he stands by the decision despite the backlash and has continued to cite concerns about the safety of his team. In another post, he justified his decision by pointing out misogynistic content posted by men, purportedly belonging to the four Indian states online. "And im criticised to put a blanket ban on hiring these kind of men...Would anyone allow this kind of misogynistic mindset men near their women and children?" he said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">And im criticised to put a blanket ban on hiring these kind of men... Would anyone allow this kind of misogynistic mindset men near their women and children? <a href="https://t.co/OfB5b2PNpy">https://t.co/OfB5b2PNpy</a>— Karthik SG (@kkarthikkgs) <a href="https://x.com/kkarthikkgs/status/2102949291191087347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A Bengaluru CEO’s decision to stop hiring male candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has sparked a heated online debate. He says the policy followed an alleged workplace misconduct incident involving a former employee. Here's al you need to know.

A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has triggered a debate over workplace safety, regional identity and hiring practices after saying his company would no longer hire male candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. X user Karthik SG, also known as Karthik Shenoy, founder and CEO of A1 Sports World, announced the decision in a post on X on September 22. He said the move followed what he described as a lengthy internal discussion and disagreement within the company. What the Bengaluru CEO said In his post, Shenoy wrote: “I'm sorry for this... But today we have made it very clear after lengthy discussion and quarrel... We will not hire any male candidates in our company who come from these 4 states in north india...” He then listed Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Also read | Ram Mandir donation theft case: Trust gets clean chit, Champat Rai made prosecution witness; 70,000-page charge sheet filed Shenoy also noted that one Rajasthani woman was already working at the company, adding that she had “100% supposed this”, referring to support for the decision. The announcement quickly drew attention online because it imposed restrictions based on both gender and state of origin. Several users criticised the approach, arguing that candidates should be assessed individually rather than on their regional background. CEO links decision to alleged employee misconduct Shenoy later provided an explanation for the policy, linking it to an incident involving a former employee. In subsequent posts, he revealed that the employee was an MBA graduate whose résumé and background checks had appeared satisfactory when he was hired. Shenoy alleged that after around two months, the employee began behaving abusively towards female colleagues despite warnings.

A Bengaluru CEO’s decision to stop hiring male candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has sparked a heated online debate. He says the policy followed an alleged workplace misconduct incident involving a former employee. Here's al you need to know.

Bias or safety concerns? Bengaluru CEO says firm will not hire men from UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP. Here's why

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Bias or safety concerns? Bengaluru CEO says firm will not hire men from UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP. Here's why