Witness Claims Religious Pressure at TCS Nashik Amid Assault Allegations
Overview of Allegations
Mumbai: Allegations of sexual assault and forced religious conversion have surfaced involving employees at the Nashik office of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). A witness has reported that those accused of misconduct instructed others to “get married to Hindu women.” Currently, the police are investigating nine complaints related to the reported incidents at this branch of India’s largest software export company, resulting in the arrest of seven employees, which includes six men and one woman. Another female employee involved in the case is reportedly on the run.
The witness, a contractual employee at the Nashik office, disclosed to NDTV that the accused individuals often encouraged one another, saying, “Go make Hindu girls your girlfriends and marry them.” They were also allegedly told to “convert your religion” while discussing their religious practices. Additionally, the witness mentioned that financial incentives were involved, asserting that this initiative had been ongoing since 2021 and that even the Human Resources (HR) personnel were implicated in the funding.
Formation of Special Investigative Team
The police established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) last week to thoroughly investigate the complaints filed by eight female employees. These employees alleged that senior colleagues subjected them to mental and sexual harassment, with the HR department reportedly overlooking their grievances. According to reports, these instances of misconduct occurred between February 2022 and March 2026.
Among the allegations, one accused individual is said to have engaged in a physical relationship with a complainant under the pretext of marriage. Other reported misconduct included inappropriate physical contact and derogatory comments about the victim’s personal life. The police indicated that when the victim approached the company’s head officer to voice her concerns about molestation, her complaints were ignored, allowing the alleged abuses to continue.
Details of the Incidents
Reports also indicate that the accused coerced one male employee to perform Namaz against his will, using derogatory remarks about his religion as a form of humiliation. Additionally, when female employees sought assistance from their HR manager, they were reportedly threatened with termination.
The individuals who have been arrested and subsequently suspended from their positions include Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari, and the HR manager, Nida Khan. Khan has been labeled as the “lady captain” due to her alleged role in befriending the female employees and subsequently encouraging them to adopt Islamic practices, including wearing a hijab.
Response from the Accused and TCS
The family of Raza Memon, one of the accused, has denied the allegations, claiming his innocence. His mother asserted that her son is being framed and insisted that he does not possess such qualities.
In light of the ongoing situation, TCS released a statement emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy against harassment. The company has committed to cooperating fully with the police investigation. TCS stated, “We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being of our employees at the workplace” and acknowledged its prompt action upon being made aware of the allegations.
Statements from Company Leadership
Following the emergence of these allegations, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran described them as “gravely concerning and anguishing.” He announced that a thorough investigation is in progress, led by TCS’s Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian, to ascertain the facts and identify any responsible parties. Chandrasekaran assured that the company is treating the incident with serious attention and that measures have already been implemented against the implicated employees, extending full cooperation to the ongoing investigations.
