Daijiworld Media Network – Nashik
Nashik, Apr 15: Serious allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and attempts at religious conversion have surfaced against several employees of a BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Maharashtra’s Nashik, police said.
The case involves women aged between 18 and 25 and spans incidents reported between 2022 and early 2026. Police have registered nine FIRs against eight employees, including six men and two women. At least seven accused have been arrested, while further investigations are underway.
Those arrested include Asif Ansari, Danish Shaikh, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon and Tausif Attar. Ashwin Chainani, operations manager of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee, has also been arrested. HR manager Nida Khan is currently absconding.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the matter has so far identified at least 12 alleged victims. The case came to light following a complaint that triggered a covert probe, with investigators also examining digital evidence and possible external links.
According to FIRs, the accused allegedly subjected victims to molestation, stalking, and repeated sexual harassment at the workplace. In one complaint, an accused allegedly promised marriage and engaged in sexual relations with the victim, while others are accused of making obscene remarks, unwanted physical advances, and gestures causing humiliation.
Several complainants have alleged that they were forced to perform namaz and coerced into consuming non-vegetarian food in an attempt to influence their religious beliefs. FIRs also mention derogatory remarks against Hindu deities and repeated attempts to hurt religious sentiments.
In multiple instances, victims alleged that colleagues stared at them inappropriately during meetings, made comments on their bodies and personal lives, and physically touched them without consent. Some complaints also point to inaction by senior officials despite verbal reports, effectively enabling the accused’s behaviour.
The FIRs further include allegations of stalking, constant surveillance, and persistent attempts to establish physical intimacy despite clear refusal by the complainants. In certain cases, victims reported being humiliated over personal matters, including remarks about not having children.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are likely as additional evidence is being examined.