In a chilling update to the ongoing investigation at a local BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Nashik Police have revealed that seven male accused functioned like an “organised gang” to systematically target and harass female colleagues.
The investigation, led by a 12-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), has now resulted in nine FIRs involving allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and forced religious conversion.
The “Organised Gang” Findings
Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik stated that the accused exploited their positions of authority to create a predatory environment. The investigation highlights several disturbing patterns:
-
Coordinated Targeting: The seven male accused—including team leaders and senior staff—reportedly worked in tandem to identify and isolate vulnerable female employees, mostly aged between 18 and 25.
-
Abuse of Power: The accused allegedly manipulated workloads, increasing the pressure on women who resisted their advances while offering professional favors to those who complied.
-
Systemic Failure: One woman manager (the Operations and HR Head) has been arrested for reportedly discouraging victims from filing complaints, allegedly telling one victim, “These things happen,” effectively shielding the accused.
Chilling Details of Coercion
The FIRs detail a four-year pattern (2022–2026) of misconduct that extends beyond physical harassment:
-
Religious Pressure: Victims alleged they were pressured to adopt specific religious practices, perform rituals, and consume non-vegetarian food against their beliefs.
-
Digital Intimidation: An HR executive, currently absconding, reportedly managed a WhatsApp group used to coordinate the targeting of victims and monitor their personal lives.
-
Physical & Mental Abuse: Allegations include inappropriate touching during meetings, persistent staring, and intrusive questioning regarding victims’ private and marital lives.
Corporate and Political Response
The case has sparked nationwide outrage, leading to high-level intervention:
-
TCS Stance: Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the allegations as “gravely concerning and anguishing.” The company has suspended all accused employees and appointed COO Arathi Subramanian to lead an internal probe.
-
SIT Investigation: The SIT is currently examining potential international links and foreign funding, with agencies like the ATS and NIA being briefed on the matter.
-
POSH Audit: The Ministry of Labour has been approached by employee unions to conduct a full audit of TCS’s compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
Case Summary at a Glance
| Status Category | Current Update |
| Total FIRs | 9 (8 filed by women, 1 by a male employee) |
| Arrests | 8 individuals (7 men, 1 woman); 1 woman remains absconding |
| Key Charges | Rape (BNS 69), Sexual Harassment (BNS 75), Outraging Religious Feelings (BNS 299), Stalking (BNS 78) |
| SIT Head | ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke |
Police Statement: “The male accused featured across multiple cases, suggesting a coordinated effort to misuse their roles. We are conducting a thorough investigation into whether this was a larger conspiracy or isolated to this specific unit.” — Sandeep Karnik, Nashik Police Commissioner.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on reporting from April 16, 2026. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
