Chirayu Rana vs Lorna Hajdini: Daniel Kaiser Says Indian-Origin Banker Took Paid Leave for ‘Father Figure’ Who Raised Him

The legal battle between former JPMorgan Chase employee Chirayu Rana and the banking giant has intensified following explosive claims regarding Rana's professional history and personal conduct. Daniel Kaiser, Rana's attorney, has moved to clarify a controversial report involving Rana's leave of absence in 2024, while simultaneously pushing forward a lawsuit alleging s*xual harassment and racial discrimination against Lorna Hajdini.

The case has gained significant attention after Rana reportedly rejected a USD 1 million settlement offer from JPMorgan, choosing instead to pursue the matter in open court. Chirayu Rana vs Lorna Hajdini: Indian-Origin Banker Hires High-Profile Attorney Daniel Kaiser in Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Executive.

Clarification on Bereavement Leave

Recent reports suggested that Rana faked his father's death to take a leave of absence from JPMorgan in late 2024. However, Kaiser told The Wall Street Journal that the situation was a misunderstanding of a personal relationship. Kaiser stated that while Rana's biological father is alive, the individual who passed away was a "father figure" who played a primary role in raising him. The leave took place just months before Rana filed a formal internal complaint in May 2025. In that complaint, Rana alleged he was the victim of s*xual assault and race-based harassment. JPMorgan and Hajdini have both categorically denied these allegations.

Allegations of Professional Misconduct Against Chirayu Rana

As the lawsuit progresses, details regarding Rana's employment history at several high-profile firms, including Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and Carlyle Group, have surfaced. Reports indicate that Rana switched jobs frequently over the last five years and was allegedly "managed out" of a role at an Apollo Global Management affiliate due to performance and fit. Further claims suggest that during a stint at the consultancy CrossBoundary, Rana exhibited aggressive behaviour toward colleagues. Kaiser has dismissed these accounts as a coordinated smear campaign.

"Attempts are being made to defame Chirayu Rana," Kaiser said. "We look forward to the truth and facts coming to light through court proceedings. Whether my client’s civil rights were violated will be determined in a court of law," he added.

The JPMorgan Conflict and Settlement Offers

Rana joined JPMorgan in March 2024 to assist in expanding the bank's private credit business. While he and Hajdini were initially on friendly terms, exchanging texts and memes, Rana's lawsuit alleges that the harassment began in late 2024. Following his internal complaint, Rana's representatives reportedly requested a USD 22 million settlement. JPMorgan placed Rana on paid leave during a mediation period and eventually offered USD 1 million to resolve the claims. Rana rejected the offer and left the bank at the end of 2025. Chirayu Rana vs Lorna Hajdini: JPMorgan Offered USD 1 Million Settlement Before S*xual Assault Lawsuit by Banker.

Current Employment Status of Chirayu Rana

After his departure from JPMorgan, Rana joined the private-equity firm Bregal Sagemount. However, a company spokeswoman confirmed that Rana’s employment was terminated at the beginning of April 2026. The lawsuit, which was briefly withdrawn before being refiled with additional witness statements, remains active. The new filings reportedly include testimony from a witness who claims Hajdini made inappropriate s*xual advances toward them as well. As both sides prepare for further legal action, the industry is closely watching how the court will weigh Rana's serious allegations against the emerging reports regarding his professional conduct.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2026 03:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).