In the ongoing investigation into the Nashik BPO unit case linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), police have uncovered allegations that senior officials, including the HR manager and operations head, may have actively discouraged a survivor from filing a formal complaint. According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, one of the female officials allegedly downplayed the seriousness of the situation by telling the complainant that “these things happen,” while appearing to side with the accused individuals.
The investigation has so far indicated a pattern of coordinated misconduct, with seven male employees allegedly working together to target female colleagues. Authorities have registered nine separate cases in connection with the incident. Eight individuals—including seven men and one woman—have been arrested, while another female suspect remains absconding. The female operations manager who has been arrested has been remanded to judicial custody until April 28.
Police have identified the male accused as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansar, and Shahrukh Sheikh. Investigators believe that the accused may have used their positions within the organisation to exert influence and harass colleagues, with several cases suggesting coordinated behaviour within the workplace.
The role of the two female accused has also come under scrutiny. One of them is alleged to have discouraged a complainant from pursuing action, while the other is reportedly linked to a separate case involving religious harassment. Officials noted that the HR head’s alleged inaction and discouragement could point to a failure in the internal grievance redressal system.
In addition to complaints from female employees, one of the FIRs includes allegations from a male employee who reported attempted religious conversion and workplace harassment. Earlier, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted after multiple women came forward with allegations of mental and sexual harassment by senior staff, along with claims that their complaints were ignored by HR.
Authorities are also examining whether there are any links to extremist organisations or foreign funding. Inputs have been sought from agencies such as the State Intelligence Department (SID), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Police have stated that conclusions on these aspects will be drawn only after sufficient evidence is gathered.
To ensure a sensitive and thorough inquiry, a female deputy commissioner and other women officers were deployed to conduct investigations at the workplace. Following counselling sessions, additional victims reportedly came forward to share their experiences.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the allegations as deeply concerning and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway, led by TCS Chief Operating Officer Aarthi Subramanian, to establish the facts and determine accountability.
The case has raised serious questions about workplace safety, the functioning of internal complaint mechanisms, and the responsibility of senior officials in addressing allegations of harassment.
