Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI/NASHIK: IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Sunday said it has a “long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form”, confirming that employees accused in a sexual harassment case at its Nashik office have been suspended. The clarification comes amid allegations by eight women employees of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at the company’s Nashik facility in Maharashtra. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and arrested seven people so far, including a senior HR manager, following complaints that senior colleagues subjected employees to mental and sexual harassment while their grievances were allegedly ignored.Also read: ‘Victims allegedly forced to offer namaz, eat beef, sexually harassed’: What we know about Nashik IT firm case A company spokesperson said, “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 company added that those under investigation have been suspended pending inquiry and that it is cooperating with law enforcement.
Allegations of harassment and religious coercion
According to police complaints, eight women employees alleged that senior colleagues sexually and mentally harassed them over a period of time. They also alleged pressure linked to religious practices and conversion, claims that have triggered a wider political and administrative response. Investigators said the HR department was accused of ignoring repeated complaints raised by the employees. Police have arrested six men and one woman, who was serving as an assistant general manager (HR) at the firm. One accused woman remains absconding, with police teams tracking her location. A police officer said, “We have formed two teams that are tracking her. The woman is currently evading arrest, but we are close.”
SIT probe and political reaction
Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan said on Friday that an SIT had been formed to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversion at the Nashik office. The case has also drawn attention in Telangana, where Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged authorities to act proactively to prevent similar incidents in Hyderabad’s IT sector. He said workplaces must remain safe spaces and not become “sites of coercion, harassment, religious targeting, exploitation or pressure.” In a post on X, he said, “I urge the Telangana DGP to hold an immediate meeting with all major IT company heads, especially HR teams. Put strict accountability in place. No complaint should be buried. No victim should be isolated. No management should look away,”
‘Fully cooperating’
The company spokesperson reiterated that the company is fully cooperating with investigators and will take further action based on the outcome of the probe. The firm also responded to reports suggesting it may shut its Nashik office or relocate employees, but did not confirm any such decision. Police said any operational decisions were internal matters of the company. An officer clarified, “Our role is limited to investigation and trials, and there is no reason for sealing or closing the company from our side. We are not aware of the company’s plans.” The SIT continues its investigation as efforts intensify to trace the absconding accused.
