Kamal Ghorui
PUNE: IT major Infosys provided a formal response on Wednesday to social media allegations of workplace harassment at its Business Process Management (BPM) facility in Pune, according to news agency ANI.The clarification comes at a time when Maharashtra’s IT industry is under increased scrutiny, following a separate criminal investigation into Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik, which involves allegations of workplace harassment and forced religious conversion. The controversy around Infosys surfaced after a series of posts on the social media platform X alleged inappropriate behaviour towards female employees in Pune. Although the posts were later deleted, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane confirmed that the government has taken note of the claims, according to ANI.“Infosys maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment or discrimination. Any issue reported is treated seriously and investigated by an independent committee. We encourage a ‘speak-up’ culture for employees to report any concern,” official statement. The company said it has activated its internal processes and multi-channel preventive programmes to examine the matter, in line with its global Code of Conduct.“Any issue that is reported is treated seriously and investigated by an independent committee, as per our robust processes. In addition, there are proactive multi-channel preventive programs, including a ‘speak-up’ culture that encourages employees to report any concern,” added the statement. Further details on the specific allegations and the status of any inquiry are awaited. It is also learnt that the individual who initially made the claims has since deleted the posts. The development comes against the backdrop of the Nashik TCS case, where several women employees were allegedly subjected to workplace harassment by senior staff between 2022 and 2026. So far, nine cases have been registered — one at Deolali Camp police station and eight at Mumbai Naka police station. The complaints include one by a male employee, alleging harassment, torture and forced religious conversion. The case began with a complaint from a woman employee who alleged that a colleague developed a relationship with her on the pretext of marriage. As the probe progressed, seven more women came forward with similar allegations, intensifying the case. The complaints detail accusations of sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, objectionable remarks, stalking and mental harassment at the workplace. Some complainants have also alleged being pressured to adopt certain religious practices or convert. Those arrested in the case include Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon and Tausif Attar. Another employee has also been taken into custody. Investigators have examined over 40 CCTV footage clips and are recording statements from both the complainants and the accused. An undercover operation involving women police personnel was also carried out to apprehend one of the accused. Additionally, one of the accused, Ashwini Chainani, an operations manager at the company, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials stating that all aspects are being thoroughly examined before any conclusions are drawn.
