The sudden shutdown of ThynkTech India OPC Pvt Ltd, a Noida-based IT firm, leaving more than 500 engineers, interns, and employees jobless in Pune’s Hinjewadi, has led to a major disruption in the tech market, reports TOI's Mihir Tanksale, Shashank Didmishe and Priya Kothari.
The company reportedly closed its divisional office without any prior notice on April 22, triggering chaos among fresh hires and trainees who were still in the onboarding phase.
₹15,000 “laptop deposit” and unpaid salaries spark scam allegations
What initially looked like a regular campus hiring opportunity soon turned into a financial and employment crisis for many. Employees alleged that the company collected a ₹15,000 security deposit from each one of them for laptops. On top of that, salaries were allegedly not paid for two months before operations stopped completely.
Police officials confirmed that the total financial loss being investigated so far is around ₹11.25 lakh across employees, with more complaints expected.
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Inside the company: training, promises, and sudden collapse
Former employees said recruitment drives were conducted last year, especially targeting fresh engineering graduates from smaller towns. The firm offered training in full-stack development, Java, Python, and AI/ML integration, along with promises of future CTCs up to ₹5.5 lakh.
But, things reportedly started going wrong in February 2026 when salary delays started, leaving employees and interns confused. “However, trouble began in Feb 2026 when salaries were not credited on the usual dates of the 7th or 8th of the month,” Vangnekar told TOI.
Employees say they were repeatedly told that an internal audit was causing delays, with assurances that payments would be cleared by the end of the month—but that never happened.
“No laptop, no salary”: employees describe financial stress
Many young engineers who relocated to Pune say they were left stranded with rent, food, and living costs, while still waiting for promised payments. “Neither did the stipend for the two months come nor did the laptop,” he said.
Another employee added that most communication lines suddenly stopped when the office shut down and the premises were locked after rent default.
For many interns, the entry into the company itself required upfront payment, which is now under scrutiny. “We can’t even put our company’s name on our CV because it doesn’t count as work experience. Who will give us a job?” she added.
A 22-year-old intern from Nandurbar described how he paid the deposit after receiving what looked like a formal offer.
“After my Google Meet interview and I got an email from ThynkTech saying that if I paid a Rs 15,000 deposit, I would get my offer letter. I found it strange, but my friends had been working there for 2-3 months, so I paid up. I was still training when the company shut. I am poor and have no support, yet I paid the deposit,” he added.
Police action and CEO detention in Nashik
Following a complaint filed by an intern, Hinjewadi police registered a case under Sections 316 (criminal breach of trust) and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against senior company officials, including the CEO, HR head, and training head.
A senior officer confirmed action in the case: “We will question him regarding his involvement in the shutting down of the company and his intention behind the move,” Pandhare said.
The CEO, Harshal Thakre, was later detained in Nashik and is being brought to Pune for further questioning. Before his detention, he had acknowledged his position but refused detailed comments.
Group chats, broken promises, and growing anger
Even after operations stopped, employees were reportedly added to a group chat where updates about pending payments continued until mid-May, raising hopes of recovery that never materialized.
Police continue to record statements, and more affected employees are expected to come forward in the coming days.
(With TOI inputs)
