New Delhi, April 5 -- A private marketing firm operating in Kerala has been accused of subjecting its underperforming employees to degrading punishments, including being made to crawl on their knees like dogs and lick coins from the floor, reported Udayavani.

The state Labour Department has launched a probe into the allegations, which emerged through local media reports quoting former employees. The incident is believed to be linked to a firm operating in Kaloor, with the alleged abuse taking place at a partner unit in Perumbavoor.

Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty reacted strongly, "I have ordered a probe into the incident and instructed the district Labour officer to submit a report in connection with the incident after carrying out...