(Image source from: Worldcrunch.com)
Anurag Bajpayee, the CEO of Gradiant, a clean water startup with Indian roots, has been taken into custody in the United States amid accusations of patronizing upscale brothels. As reported by the New York Post, Mr. Bajpayee is mentioned in court documents from the Boston area, where he faces allegations of compensating high hourly rates for sexual services earlier in 2025. Prosecutors have indicated that he was part of a select clientele that included professionals such as doctors, lawyers, public officials, and government contractors. The investigation revealed that these men reportedly paid up to $600 per hour for encounters with predominantly Asian women, who were allegedly victims of sex trafficking. Although some staff members have called for his resignation, Gradiant has expressed its support for him, putting out a statement that emphasizes faith in the legal process and reiterates the company’s dedication to its mission.
The statement read, "We have confidence in the justice system and are optimistic that matters will conclude positively in time. Independently of this situation, Gradiant will persist in seeking excellence in technological advancements and remain committed to our goal of providing clean water for all of society." Anurag Bajpayee co-founded Gradiant, which is based in Boston and focuses on innovative solutions for water and wastewater treatment. A native of India, Mr. Bajpayee has become a significant player in the cleantech sector, transforming Gradiant from a spin-off of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2013 into a valued global entity worth over $1 billion. Under his guidance, the company tackles pressing water issues for various industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, mining, and the food and beverage sector, operating in more than 25 countries and managing over 2,500 facilities.
Bajpayee's education began at La Martiniere College in Lucknow, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. He continued his studies at MIT, where he obtained a Master of Science in 2008 and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2012. His doctoral work concentrated on industrial desalination and water treatment, resulting in the development of a groundbreaking membrane-free desalination method, which was recognized by Scientific American as one of the "Top 10 World-Changing Ideas."
