Nashik : Operations at the business process outsourcing (BPO) facility of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Maharashtra’s Nashik have been temporarily suspended amid the massive row over sexual abuse and forced conversion cases. The Nashik centre of the IT giant came under scrutiny after a major scandal surfaced involving allegations of sexual abuse, mental harassment and religious coercion, prompting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
The allegations also include claims that staff were pressured to consume specific foods and participate in religious practices against their will. According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, the investigation suggests that seven male accused operated like an organised gang within the workplace, allegedly targeting female employees. “The seven male staffers are co-accused in most of the cases, indicating they acted as a group,” he said.
Some of the accused held positions of authority, such as team leaders, and allegedly misused their roles to harass co-workers. The nine FIRs outline a recurring pattern of workplace sexual harassment over several years, dating back to 2022. This includes allegations of inappropriate touching, lewd remarks, stalking, intrusive questioning about personal lives, and repeated unwanted advances by multiple accused.
Some FIRs indicate that both forms of abuse, sexual misconduct and religious targeting , often occurred simultaneously within the workplace. The police have reached out to multiple agencies, including the State Intelligence Department (SID), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA), to probe any possible larger links or funding angles. “As and when we get evidence, we will be able to draw conclusions,” Karnik said.
He noted that the first complainant was initially hesitant, but after counselling and support from the police, more victims came forward, leading to multiple FIRs. A woman Deputy Commissioner of Police and female personnel were also deployed to the office to facilitate interaction with employees and encourage complaints.
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