TCS suspends staff as Nashik probe deepens

Systematic sexual exploitation, forced religious conversion and victimisation of Hindu women working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)’s BPO unit in Nashik, Maharashtra, has sent shock waves across the country. Multiple women employees along with at least one male colleague, have filed complaints with Nashik City Police alleging a pattern of sexual harassment, exploitation and attempts at forced religious conversions targeting Hindu staff. The sordid saga of sexual exploitation and forced conversion had started in 2022 with some victims reportedly facing ongoing harassment.

Facing all-round flak, TCS have issued a statement that they were following the due process, cooperating with the police and have suspended accused employees.

The Nashik City Police have registered nine FIRs, arrested seven accused officials and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the claims, which reportedly span several years. It may be noted that the first case was reported in 2022 and then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had ordered a detailed probe. It took four years for the Nashik Police to gain control over this scandal, which had been ongoing unabated in one of the country's most prestigious consultancy companies.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of TCS, allegations of workplace coercion blending sexual misconduct with religious pressure. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had then publicly described the incidents as shocking and emphasised that such acts would not be tolerated. The victim Hindu women had submitted written complaints to Nashik Police and accused a group of senior employees, primarily team leads of targeting vulnerable junior colleagues, many of them young Hindu women. It has also been revealed that the Muslim employees of TCS Nashik had created WhatsApp groups and discussed their plans to target vulnerable women. Sources indicated the group allegedly targeted Hindu employees with financial incentives or influence to facilitate conversions.

The victims have alleged that there were repeated inappropriate touching, obscene remarks about physical appearance and personal life, molestation and in some cases, maintaining physical relations under false promises of marriage. Victims alleged that complaints to higher-ups, including the HR department, were ignored. Police investigation has found that the HR head identified as Nida Khan was complicit and did not pay heed to the repeated complaints.

According to the complaint filed by a male employee, he was coerced into religious practices against his will.

Nashik Police described the complaints as involving a group operating within the workplace. The named accused who have been arrested are; Asif Ansari, Shafi Sheikh, Shah Rukh Qureshi (also referred to as Shahrukh Qureshi), Raza Memon, Tausif Attar and Danish Sheikh. The arrested persons were produced in court and remanded to police custody initially.

The Nashik Police acted on intelligence inputs and registered the first FIR in March 2026, followed by eight more. Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik supervised the probe, which led to the formation of an SIT headed by ACP Crime, Sandeep Mitke. The team is investigating all aspects, including sexual offences and religious coercion.

According to the police, on April 10, 2026, the investigating officer recorded the statement of the company’s HR manager, who resides in Pune. Victims had allegedly complained to her earlier, but no action was reportedly taken at the time. She was issued a notice to join the probe further.

Police have urged additional victims to come forward via a dedicated WhatsApp number (9923323311) and are examining the full extent of the alleged activities.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) broke its silence over the issue confirming the suspensions of the employees under investigation. “TCS has a long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form. We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being of our employees at the workplace. As soon as we were made aware of the matter in Nashik, we took swift action. The employees under investigation have been suspended pending enquiry. The firm is cooperating with local law enforcement authorities and any further action will be based on the conclusion of this investigation.” a TCS spokesperson said.

The case has sparked public outrage, protests outside the TCS facility in Nashik and political commentary. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the police for their quick action and called for stringent punishment for those found guilty. Nitesh Rane, a minister in Fadnavis government, questioned the HR department’s inaction and framed the alleged conversions as part of a larger pattern requiring strong legal response.

Social media and public discourse have highlighted concerns about workplace safety in the IT sector, the vulnerability of young employees, and the intersection of professional environments with religious coercion. Some commentators have drawn parallels to “love jihad” or organized grooming, though police are treating the matter as specific criminal allegations under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code including those related to sexual harassment, assault and hurting religious sentiments.

As of now, no chargesheet has been filed as the SIT is still continuing the investigation. The case underscores ongoing debates about internal complaint mechanisms in corporate India and the need for robust safeguards against all forms of workplace harassment.