Anurag Bajpayee, the Indian-origin CEO of clean water technology startup Gradiant, has been arrested in the United States in connection with a high-profile investigation into illegal brothels catering to elite clients.
According to a report by the New York Post, Bajpayee is among several individuals accused of paying hundreds of dollars per hour for sex services at upscale establishments.
Court documents reportedly revealed that the brothels offered services primarily involving Asian women, with clients — including doctors, lawyers, government contractors, and public officials — allegedly paying up to $600 per hour.
Bajpayee, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and previously held research roles at MIT and the University of Missouri, now faces mounting internal pressure at Gradiant. Sources suggest there have been calls for his resignation following the arrest.
Gradiant, however, released a statement standing by its CEO: “We believe in the justice system and are confident this matter will be resolved favourably in due course. Unrelated to this development, Gradiant remains committed to technological innovation and our mission of delivering clean water for communities worldwide.”
