Rohan Mehta has recently come into the limelight for his efforts in exposing corruption and sexual harassment within the ministry. His revelations have sparked widespread discussions about the internal malpractices of India's diplomatic missions, yet, despite the gravity of his claims and the supporting evidence he has presented, the issue is being largely ignored by the authorities.

Mehta served at the Indian Embassy in Moscow between 2019 and 2022, where he played a crucial role in facilitating student evacuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his Moscow tenure, he was posted to the Consulate General of India in São Paulo, Brazil. It was during his time in São Paulo that he first encountered and subsequently reported corruption within the consulate.

Unveiling Corruption and Harassment

In January 2024, Rohan Mehta formally lodged a complaint with the Joint Secretary (Administration) B Vanlalvawna and the Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Suresh Reddy, detailing corruption allegations against the Head Consul General Manisha Swami. His complaint also highlighted serious accusations of sexual harassment by consulate employee Adarsh Kumar Mishra against Brazilian women. Additionally, he implicated other employees, including Harish Baxla, Gayatri Gosain, and Suraj Mohan, in similar misconduct.

Mehta has backed his claims with substantial evidence, including audio recordings that reportedly confirm instances of harassment and inaction by senior officials. Instead of receiving support for his allegations, he was abruptly recalled to India on January 8, 2024, merely three days after filing his complaint. To add to his ordeal, he was forced to return without receiving the mandatory yellow fever vaccination, a serious health risk.

Upon his return, he faced systemic retaliation. His salary was withheld, and he was accused of misconduct based on false allegations regarding his fiancée’s stay in Brazil. Under Secretary Monika Agarwal allegedly tried to coerce him into retracting his statements under the threat of dismissal. Despite his repeated attempts to seek justice, his complaints were ignored or deliberately buried by ministry officials.

Unable to find justice through official channels, Mehta turned to social media to expose the corruption and harassment he faced. On September 9, 2024, he released his first YouTube video detailing the corruption and harassment within the External Affairs Ministry. He later posted two more videos on February 24, 2025, further elaborating on the extent of the misconduct and the retaliation he faced.

Severe Workplace Harassment

Mehta alleges that his marriage application was withheld by B Vanlalvawna, citing a vigilance case against him. However, Mehta claims that this case was unrelated to his marriage application and was a ploy to interfere with his personal life due to his complaints against Swami.

He also witnessed severe workplace harassment by Head Consul General Manisha Swami. According to Mehta, Swami frequently shouted at employees, misused resources, and created a hostile work environment. Swami’s alleged modus operandi involved arriving at the office in the morning, berating employees, misusing public funds, and then leaving for the day. This pattern continued for three years, during which she earned a substantial salary while contributing little to diplomatic operations. Occasionally, she would return for the last half hour of the day, but not consistently.

Additionally, Mehta claims that Swami encouraged other employees, including Gayatri Gosain, to file false complaints against him in retaliation for his whistleblowing. He further alleges that Adarsh Kumar Mishra was involved in the sexual harassment of Brazilian women, and he has provided audio recordings as evidence to support these claims.

Higher Authorities and Political Inaction

Mehta’s case reached the corridors of political power when he sought assistance from leaders across the spectrum, including members of the ruling BJP and opposition figures such as Shashi Tharoor. However, his pleas were met with indifference, as neither party took action to address his concerns. His allegations of corruption extend to the highest levels, implicating External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Mehta referenced cases like that of Renu Pal, a corrupt official who, despite her suspension, was later reinstated under Jaishankar’s tenure.

His posts and tweets detailing the harassment and corruption he faced gained significant traction, prompting public scrutiny of the ministry’s functioning. He shared recordings, internal documents, and other evidence in an attempt to ensure accountability and transparency.

Mehta continues to demand justice, not just for himself, but also for the many victims of systemic corruption and workplace harassment within the MEA. He has specifically called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against those responsible, emphasizing that his case is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue.

Rohan Mehta's case is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who stand against corruption in powerful institutions. The question remains: Will the Indian government act upon his revelations, or will another brave voice be silenced?