Operations at the Nashik BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services have been temporarily suspended, with employees directed to work from home, following a widening investigation into serious allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, and religious coercion at the workplace.
The decision comes amid an ongoing probe led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), after multiple complaints surfaced from employees. At least nine women have alleged a sustained pattern of misconduct dating back to 2022, including sexual harassment, intimidation, and attempts at forced religious conversion. Some complaints also mention pressure to adopt certain dietary practices and participate in religious activities against their will.
According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, the investigation indicates that seven male employees acted in a coordinated manner, allegedly targeting female colleagues within the organisation. Police have so far registered nine FIRs, including one filed by a male employee who reported religious harassment and attempted conversion.
Eight individuals—seven men and one woman—have been arrested in connection with the case, while another female accused remains absconding. The accused reportedly include team leaders and others in positions of authority who are alleged to have misused their roles. In one instance, an HR head is accused of discouraging a complainant from filing a formal complaint, allegedly stating that such incidents were commonplace and siding with the accused.
The FIRs collectively describe a recurring pattern of inappropriate behaviour, including unwanted physical contact, sexually suggestive remarks, stalking, and intrusive questioning about personal lives. In several cases, the alleged misconduct continued despite objections, with one complaint suggesting that inaction by senior officials may have enabled the behaviour.
Alongside sexual harassment allegations, multiple FIRs also detail instances of religious targeting, including derogatory remarks, coercion to follow certain practices, and attempts to influence religious beliefs. In some cases, both forms of alleged misconduct appear to have occurred simultaneously.
Authorities are also examining whether there are broader links behind the incidents. Inputs have been sought from agencies such as the State Intelligence Department (SID), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Officials have stated that conclusions on these aspects will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police noted that the first complainant was initially reluctant to come forward, but after counselling and support, more individuals reported similar experiences, leading to multiple cases being registered. Female officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police, were deployed at the workplace to facilitate a safe environment for victims to share their accounts.
The National Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and has formed a fact-finding committee to conduct an on-site inquiry at the facility.
Reacting to the developments, Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described the allegations as deeply concerning and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. The probe is being led by TCS Chief Operating Officer Aarthi Subramanian to establish the facts and determine accountability.
The case has intensified scrutiny of workplace safety systems, internal complaint mechanisms, and the responsibility of organisations to ensure timely and effective responses to serious allegations.
