TCS Nashik Case: Nine FIRs Filed in Harassment Probe

A major investigation is under way in western India after police registered nine cases linked to allegations of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion at a business process outsourcing unit associated with Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik.

Authorities say multiple employees have come forward with complaints, prompting arrests and a wider probe into workplace conduct and oversight.

Police findings and arrests

According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, the investigation has so far identified nine accused individuals, including seven men and two women. Eight suspects have been arrested, while one female employee remains at large.

Officials allege that the accused, many of whom held supervisory roles, misused their positions to target colleagues. The seven male suspects are named in several of the cases and are believed to have acted in a coordinated manner within the office.

The police have registered nine First Information Reports (FIRs), covering allegations including rape, sexual harassment, stalking, and actions intended to offend religious beliefs under India’s criminal law framework.

A female operations manager has been remanded in judicial custody, while the human resources manager, identified as Nida Khan, is reported to be absconding.

Claims of workplace inaction

Investigators say concerns have also been raised about how internal complaints were handled. According to police statements, the HR manager and operations head allegedly discouraged at least one survivor from filing a formal complaint, reportedly telling her that “these things happen”.

Mr Karnik said this response suggested a failure to address serious allegations within the organisation. He added that both women are accused of siding with those alleged to have committed the offences.

Several employees have told investigators that earlier complaints of harassment were either ignored or inadequately addressed by the company’s internal systems.

Undercover operation and emerging complaints

The case began earlier this year after a tip-off prompted police to conduct a covert inquiry. Officers deployed a team of women personnel in plain clothes, who worked undercover for several weeks to observe workplace conditions.

According to officials, their findings supported initial reports of misconduct, leading to the registration of a formal complaint in March. That complaint included allegations of sexual assault by a senior colleague, which subsequently triggered additional reports.

Police say at least eight more employees later came forward with similar allegations, including claims of mental harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

Investigators have also recorded a complaint from a male employee alleging attempted religious conversion and workplace harassment.

Organised behaviour and wider probe

Officials have described the actions of the accused as resembling those of an “organised group”, suggesting coordination in targeting victims.

Authorities are also examining possible external links, including references to an individual believed to be based in Malaysia, who appeared in online communications with some employees. However, police stress that no conclusions have been reached on this aspect of the case.

Specialist agencies, including anti-terror and intelligence units, have been consulted as part of the broader inquiry. Mr Karnik said findings would be based strictly on evidence gathered during the investigation.