Unfortunately, yes. The current company can do that. It doesn't matter who brought your friend here, what's important now is who's your friend's new employer. So basically, the CURRENT employer holds every right to remove your friend from the organization if they(company) doesn't want any longer the services of your friend. Though if your friend can ask for a NOC or No Objection Clearance, it will be much better for him/her.
Unfortunately, yes. The current company can do that. It doesn't matter who brought your friend here, what's important now is who's your friend's new employer. So basically, the CURRENT employer holds every right to remove your friend from the organization if they(company) doesn't want any longer the services of your friend. Though if your friend can ask for a NOC or No Objection Clearance, it will be much better for him/her.