CEO’s Firm Stands By Him Amid Scandal

Anurag Bajpayee, the Indian-born CEO of clean water technology firm Gradiant, is facing serious allegations involving a high-end prostitution ring in the United States. Court documents in the Boston area reportedly list Mr. Bajpayee among clients accused of paying significant sums for sexual services earlier in 2025, according to the New York Post.

Prosecutors allege Mr. Bajpayee was part of an exclusive clientele that included doctors, lawyers, and government officials, who allegedly paid up to $600 per hour for encounters with women, many of whom are believed to be victims of sex trafficking. The investigation suggests a sophisticated operation exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Gradiant, a company Mr. Bajpayee co-founded and leads, has publicly stood by its CEO despite calls for his resignation from some employees. In a statement, the company expressed confidence in the legal process and reiterated its commitment to its mission of providing clean water solutions. “We believe in the justice system and are confident that this will resolve favorably in due course. Unrelated to this, Gradiant will continue to pursue excellence in technological innovation and to strive towards our mission to ensure clean water for all society,” the statement read.

Mr. Bajpayee’s background reveals a rapid ascent in the cleantech industry. Born in India, he transformed Gradiant from a 2013 spinout of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) into a globally recognized company valued at over $1 billion. The company now operates in more than 25 countries, serving industries like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), followed by a Master of Science (2008) and PhD (2012) from MIT. His doctoral research focused on innovative water treatment technologies, including a membrane-free desalination technique lauded by Scientific American as a world-changing idea.

The allegations against Mr. Bajpayee present a stark contrast to the socially responsible image Gradiant cultivates. While the legal process unfolds, the situation raises serious questions about ethical leadership and the potential for exploitation within seemingly progressive industries. The company’s unwavering support for its CEO, despite the gravity of the accusations, is a notable stance that will likely be scrutinized as the case progresses. It remains to be seen how this scandal will ultimately impact Gradiant’s reputation and its mission to address global water challenges.