Sikka says detractors attacking him to `point of harassment`

New Delhi: Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka on Monday hit out at detractors for "false and malicious" stories about the company saying they were "designed" to target him to the point of harassment.

In a strongly worded email to Infosys employees, Sikka said reports questioning the company's acquisition of US-based Panaya are "orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on harming the reputation of the company and its employees."

"We have categorically denied the allegations in these stories, but they still get published," he wrote.

In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying New Jersey-based automation technology company Panaya -- its second largest acquisition deal -- for USD 200 million or Rs 1,250 crore in cash.

Sikka termed the reports as "false and malicious" and said the "speculations and fabrications are clearly designed to tarnish our reputation, and they specifically target our employees, including myself, to the point of harassment."

"We cannot let these stand unchallenged, and we will take every step and pursue every avenue to strongly defend the company in the face of these unfair and unwarranted attacks," he said.

Sikka -- who is pitted against a clutch of co-founders led by N R Narayana Murthy voicing concerns over a spike in his remuneration and hefty severance packages for two former executives -- said fresh allegations on Panaya acquisition were distractions that are "expensive, draining and time-consuming."