Mumbai | The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into serious allegations emerging from a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik, where claims of sexual harassment, coercion, and attempted religious conversion have triggered a major investigation. The case has escalated significantly, with nine FIRs registered so far, covering grave offences including sexual harassment, rape, assault, and alleged pressure related to religious practices and conversion attempts.
The investigation began after multiple female employees reported alleged misconduct within the workplace. Acting on these complaints, Nashik Police launched a covert operation in February, deploying female officers undercover as housekeeping staff, while male officers posed as security and technical personnel. This strategy helped investigators gain access to internal interactions and gather firsthand evidence from within the organisation.
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According to police sources, WhatsApp chats and internal communications between victims and accused individuals revealed signs of alleged coercion and inappropriate behaviour. Some employees claimed they were pressured to follow certain religious practices, which allegedly created a hostile and stressful work environment. Investigators are also examining whether emotional manipulation and psychological pressure were systematically used against employees.
The probe has also flagged the alleged involvement of a Malaysia-based individual identified as Irman, who is said to have contacted some female employees through video calls. Authorities suspect possible external influence involving financial inducements and psychological manipulation. Digital evidence, including call records and chat histories, is currently under forensic examination to determine the extent of this alleged foreign link.
As part of the broader investigation, police are scrutinizing bank accounts linked to the accused to determine whether any external funding or financial transactions supported the alleged activities. Officials believe that tracing the money trail could help establish whether the case is confined to internal misconduct or part of a larger organised network operating across borders.
So far, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. A senior HR manager is also under investigation for alleged negligence and for reportedly failing to act on repeated complaints raised by female employees. Investigators believe that timely intervention could have potentially prevented the escalation of the alleged incidents.
The SIT, led by ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, is currently recording statements from multiple employees who have come forward with allegations of mental harassment, sexual exploitation, and administrative inaction. Officials have indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses further.
The case has drawn significant public and institutional attention. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the matter as “gravely concerning” and confirmed that a comprehensive internal investigation has been initiated. The company has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion, stating that employees under investigation have been suspended pending inquiry.
Police officials said the investigation is being conducted on multiple fronts, including digital forensics, financial scrutiny, and witness testimonies. Authorities are also checking whether similar complaints have been reported in other locations linked to the organisation.
As the SIT deepens its probe, officials believe the case may expand further, with additional evidence and possibly new accused individuals expected to emerge in the coming days. The investigation remains ongoing, with focus on uncovering the full scope of the alleged misconduct and identifying any systemic failures within the workplace structure.
