TCS orders work-from-home for Nashik staff amid probe
Employees shifted to remote work over safety concerns
Employees at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik office have been directed to work from home following allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion within the workplace.
Company sources said the move was taken to ensure the safety and convenience of staff as the investigation continues. The instruction applies to employees operating out of the Nashik facility.
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Police widen probe, reach out to central agencies
The Nashik Police have intensified their investigation and contacted multiple central agencies. In a related development, a detailed probe into the case is already underway, as reported earlier in this report.
Police commissioner Sandeep Karnik said the outreach was prompted by concerns circulating on social media regarding possible extremist links or foreign funding. He clarified that no evidence has been found so far to support such claims, and the involvement of multiple agencies is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive review.
Multiple FIRs filed, arrests made
Officials confirmed that nine FIRs have been registered based on complaints by employees. These include allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and attempts at religious coercion.
So far, six employees and one assistant general manager have been arrested. Another woman accused in the case remains absconding. Investigators noted that several accused individuals held supervisory roles and allegedly misused their authority to target junior staff members.
Police also observed that some names appeared repeatedly across complaints, indicating what they described as a possible organised pattern of behaviour within the office.
Victims encouraged to come forward
According to the police commissioner, the first complainant was initially reluctant to file a formal complaint due to fear of consequences. Authorities later deployed women police personnel and support teams to interact with employees at the workplace.
Following these interventions, more individuals came forward with similar allegations, leading to additional FIRs being registered.
HR conduct and institutional response under scrutiny
The role of the human resources department has come under examination. Among the accused is a senior HR official who is alleged to have discouraged a complainant from pursuing her grievance.
Police said the official is accused of downplaying the complaint internally and failing to escalate it appropriately. Investigators are also examining whether there was any institutional lapse in handling employee complaints.
Pattern of targeting vulnerable staff flagged
Officials indicated that some accused, particularly those linked to the training division, may have operated in coordination. They allegedly identified employees facing financial or personal difficulties and targeted them.
Investigators described the situation as resembling an organised internal group rather than isolated incidents.
Custody developments and ongoing search
An assistant general manager arrested in the case has been remanded to judicial custody after her police remand ended. Prosecutors informed the court that she was uncooperative during questioning and could potentially influence witnesses.
Police teams are continuing efforts to trace the absconding accused woman as the probe progresses.