Nashik Police form SIT, arrest TCS employees in harassment probe
Complaint triggers covert police operation
A controversy has erupted at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik office after allegations of sexual harassment and coercion to convert religion surfaced, leading to multiple arrests and a high-level investigation.
The case began in February when a political party worker lodged a complaint with Nashik City Police, claiming that a Hindu woman employee was observing Ramzan fasts. The information prompted police to initiate a covert operation inside the office.
Four undercover personnel were deployed as housekeeping staff to monitor employee interactions. After two weeks of surveillance, investigators reported sufficient evidence to proceed with legal action.
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Multiple FIRs and arrests follow probe
Police have so far registered at least nine FIRs involving charges of sexual harassment, rape, stalking, and hurting religious sentiments under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaints were filed by eight women employees.
Seven individuals employed at the company have been arrested. Those named include Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, Tausif Attar and Ashwin Chainani. Another accused, HR manager Nida Khan, remains absconding.
The investigation also revealed links to a Malaysia-based preacher identified as Irman, who was allegedly introduced to victims through video calls. Authorities are examining bank accounts of the accused to trace any suspicious financial transactions.
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Allegations of coercion and workplace pressure
According to police findings, most complainants are women aged between 18 and 25, earning salaries between Rs 18,000 and Rs 25,000. Several FIRs contain similar allegations, including inappropriate remarks, physical misconduct, and increased workload for those who resisted advances.
The first FIR stemmed from a case involving an employee and accused Danish Shaikh, who allegedly concealed his marital status and established a relationship under the promise of marriage. Police said charges of rape were invoked on these grounds, along with allegations of influencing religious practices.
ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, who heads the Special Investigation Team, said the probe widened after initial arrests led to further complaints from other employees.
Company response and internal action
TCS has termed the matter “gravely concerning” and said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion. The company confirmed that employees under investigation have been suspended pending inquiry.
Chief Operating Officer Aarthi Subramanian stated that stringent action would be taken against those found guilty, and necessary corrective measures would be implemented based on the findings.
Political reactions and wider concerns
The case has drawn strong political reactions. BJP workers staged protests in Nashik demanding strict action. BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar described the matter as “corporate jihad”, while Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan termed the incident “shameful”.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised the company’s response, calling it inadequate. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of workplace safety mechanisms and internal grievance redressal systems in corporate offices.