Undercover probe at TCS Nashik triggers arrests, nine FIRs over abuse and religious influence claims

A tip-off about a young employee observing Ramzan fasts at a BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik snowballed into a covert police operation, culminating in nine FIRs, seven arrests, and a temporary halt in operations at the facility.

The chain of events began in February when a local political worker approached Nashik City Police alleging that a Hindu woman in her early 20s had been influenced to follow Islamic practices at her workplace. Police said the complaint pointed to “something amiss” inside the 147-employee unit.

After speaking to the woman’s family — who had reportedly stopped her from going to work citing changes in her lifestyle — police initiated a discreet inquiry. Undercover constables were deployed as housekeeping staff inside the office to monitor activities over two weeks.

“Based on inputs gathered during the covert probe, we found grounds to initiate action,” an official involved in the investigation said.

The first FIR was registered on rape charges against Danish Shaikh, who was allegedly in a relationship with the woman and accused of concealing his marriage. Police said the case invoked charges on the grounds that sexual relations were established under the promise of marriage, alongside allegations of influencing her religious beliefs.

According to ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Danish and his associate Tousif Attar were among the first to be arrested. A breakthrough came when investigators examined Attar’s phone and found images of another employee in religious attire, leading to further questioning and additional FIRs.

Subsequent complaints from other women employees alleged inappropriate conduct, including unwelcome physical contact, sexually suggestive remarks, personal comments, and pressure linked to workplace hierarchy. Some also accused colleagues of attempting to influence their religious practices.

“Initially, many women were reluctant to come forward. But as arrests were made, more complaints emerged,” Mitke said. Between March 26 and April 3, nine FIRs were registered, six of which included allegations related to religious influence.

In total, eight individuals—six men and two women—were named in the cases, including a Pune-based operations manager. Seven have been arrested, while one accused Nida Khan, remains absconding. Police allege she played a role in guiding women on religious practices.

However, investigators have ruled out any organized conversion racket or external conspiracy. “There is no evidence of a coordinated effort or outside involvement. It appears to be driven by individual religious zeal,” Mitke said.

The accused, most of whom held supervisory roles, have been suspended by the company. Defence lawyers have dismissed the allegations as exaggerated and misconstrued. Advocate Baba Sayyad argued that casual interactions and voluntary choices were being criminalized. “Discussing religion or complimenting colleagues cannot be equated with coercion,” he said.

Police have also taken action against the operations manager, citing alleged inaction despite verbal complaints. As a member of the Internal Committee under workplace harassment norms, she was obligated to respond even to oral grievances, officials said.

When reporters visited the facility, it remained largely deserted, with only security personnel present.

Most complainants are young employees aged between 18 and 25, earning between ₹18,000 and ₹25,000 per month, and working under the accused in team structures.

On April 13, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, termed the allegations “deeply concerning” and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. He said the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and is fully cooperating with authorities.

The internal probe is being led by Aarthi Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer at TCS, with the company pledging strict action against those found guilty.