Pune/Nashik: A major alleged sexual harassment and workplace coercion case at a BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Maharashtra’s Nashik has taken a serious legal turn, with nine FIRs registered so far and multiple arrests made.
Among those arrested is a senior HR official (AGM level), who was also a member of the company’s Internal Committee under the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) framework. She is accused of failing to act despite receiving repeated complaints.
According to sources associated with the investigation, eight women employees have alleged that they were subjected to repeated inappropriate behaviour by senior colleagues. The complainants claim that despite submitting multiple written and verbal complaints to the HR department, no concrete action was taken. In light of the seriousness of the allegations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the matter in depth.
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Emails and Chats Seized
Investigators have seized 78 emails and a crucial chat record from the electronic devices of the HR AGM. These digital records are currently being examined in her presence. Preliminary findings suggest that a senior manager had repeatedly informed the HR official via emails about complaints against two accused employees, but no action followed.
The SIT is now closely analysing call records, CCTV footage, internal emails, chats, bank transactions and other digital evidence. The key objective of the probe is to determine whether the complaints were deliberately ignored or suppressed, or whether there was gross negligence in following the mandated POSH procedures. Officials indicate that accountability will be fixed if any lapses are established.
Undercover Operation Exposed the Case
The accused individuals named in the case include Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari and Nida Khan. Cases have been registered against them under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of women, assault with intent to disrobe, defamation and criminal conspiracy.
The court has remanded the arrested HR official to police custody till April 15, while the other accused are currently lodged in Nashik Road Central Prison under judicial custody. One accused is reportedly absconding, and efforts are underway by the SIT to trace and apprehend him.
Company and Government React
In a startling revelation, investigators also uncovered that an undercover police operation played a key role in exposing the case. Police personnel reportedly spent several weeks inside the facility disguised as housekeeping staff, closely observing workplace interactions and behaviour. This operation helped substantiate several allegations, ultimately leading to the registration of multiple FIRs and arrests.
The company, in its response, stated that it follows a strict “zero tolerance” policy towards any form of harassment or misconduct. It confirmed that all employees named in the case have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the company’s chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described the allegations as “serious and deeply concerning.” He stated that a high-level internal inquiry is underway and assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
At the state level, the matter has drawn significant attention. Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has called for an impartial investigation and a fast-track trial. The Nashik district administration has also ordered a review of POSH compliance within the company and indicated that similar workplace safety audits may be extended to other IT firms.
Authorities have made it clear that if violations of POSH norms are established, strict legal action will be taken against the company. The case has now evolved beyond a criminal investigation, raising broader concerns about workplace safety, accountability, and the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms in corporate environments.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
