Amid the widening investigation into allegations at the Nashik BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services, a male employee has come forward with detailed claims of sustained harassment, coercion, and religious targeting by colleagues, adding another dimension to the case that has already involved multiple complaints from women employees.
In his account, the employee alleged that the harassment began soon after he joined the organisation in 2022. He claimed that his team leader, identified as Tausif Akhtar, along with colleague Danish Sheikh, repeatedly targeted him, allegedly using their positions of authority to impose undue pressure. According to him, he was made to perform additional work beyond his responsibilities, which he described as a way to physically and mentally exhaust him.
The employee further alleged that he was compelled to participate in religious practices against his will. He claimed that he was forced to offer namaz, recite the kalma, and wear a skullcap, and that photographs of him in such situations were later circulated in official workplace groups to humiliate him. He also stated that his refusal to comply with certain demands led to increased harassment.
He described instances where his religious identity became a focal point of ridicule. According to his statement, colleagues allegedly mocked Hindu beliefs, questioned religious figures, and made derogatory remarks. He also claimed that he was pressured to consume non-vegetarian food despite being a strict vegetarian, and that his refusal was met with further ridicule.
The allegations extend into deeply personal areas. The employee stated that his colleagues mocked his personal life, particularly the fact that he and his wife did not have children despite undergoing medical treatment. He alleged that one of the accused made offensive remarks suggesting he “send his wife” if he wanted a child, which he described as deeply distressing.
He also claimed that the situation escalated into threats and intimidation when he resisted. In one instance, he alleged that an accused individual threw an object at him during a workplace confrontation and threatened him. Additionally, he said that false complaints were later filed against him in an attempt to have him removed from the organisation after he refused to comply with their demands.
The employee further alleged that the harassment continued for several years, up to March 2026, and included repeated attempts to pressure him into changing his religion. He claimed that he was asked to remove religious symbols such as his rudraksha mala and was subjected to sustained psychological pressure.
These allegations come alongside multiple FIRs already registered in the case, which include complaints from women employees regarding sexual harassment and coercion. Police have indicated that several accused individuals are named across multiple cases, suggesting a pattern of behaviour within the workplace.
Authorities continue to investigate the matter, examining both individual allegations and possible systemic failures in addressing complaints. The case has raised serious concerns about workplace safety, abuse of authority, and the effectiveness of internal grievance mechanisms.
