The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-linked BPO in Nashik has been embroiled in a scandal involving multiple complaints, arrests, and parallel probes. The case centers around allegations of sexual harassment, religious conversion, and sexual relations under false pretenses.
A 23-year-old BPO employee initially filed a complaint against her senior colleague Danish Shaikh, accusing him of sexual harassment and engaging in sexual relations under the false pretext of marriage. She also claimed that Danish and another colleague, Tausif, attempted to convince her about the merits of Islam over Hinduism.
Following the initial complaint, more employees came forward, and police registered nine FIRs between March 26 and April 3. The complaints alleged sexual abuse, harassment, and religious coercion within the workplace.
As the investigation progressed, police said the accused, many of whom held positions such as team leads, allegedly misused their authority. One case was also registered against the operations-cum-HR manager for allegedly discouraging a complainant from filing a sexual harassment complaint and for hurting religious sentiments.
Police also revealed that one complaint by a male employee relates to alleged attempts at religious conversion at the workplace. A female employee has alleged rape on the pretext of offering a job and marriage, while the remaining complaints pertain to sexual harassment and hurting religious sentiments.
The investigation saw a key development when the operations-cum-HR manager was arrested on April 13. So far, seven of the eight accused, six men and one woman, have been arrested. Another woman remains absconding.
The case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 69 (sexual intercourse obtained through false promise to marry), 75 (sexual harassment), 299 (insulting religion or religious belief), and 3(5) (constructive or joint liability).
Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and intelligence agencies, have been looped in to assist in probing possible links of the accused with extremist organisations and any foreign funding.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran announced a high-level probe, and TCS issued a statement addressing the allegations. The company clarified Nida Khan's role, stating that she "is neither an HR manager nor responsible for recruitment. She served as a process associate and did not hold any leadership responsibilities."
