TCS Nashik Case: Some Complainants Quit Jobs Before FIRs, Probe Underway
· Free Press Journal
Pune: At least two complainants in the alleged workplace harassment case at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik had resigned just days before police registered FIRs based on their allegations, sources said.
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The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into multiple complaints of harassment and misconduct at the facility. Earlier, on 17th April, TCS CEO K Krithivasan said the company had not received any formal complaints through its ethics or POSH mechanisms. Responding to queries about the resignations, a TCS spokesperson repeated that position and said the company could not comment further as the matter is under investigation.
For its internal inquiry, TCS has appointed Deloitte and Trilegal as independent advisors. The probe is being overseen by COO Aarthi Subramanian, with an additional review panel led by independent director Keki Mistry.
The case first came to light in February when a local political worker approached police with allegations involving a young employee. It was claimed she had begun observing fasts during Ramzan and was being influenced toward certain religious practices at the workplace. Her parents later reportedly stopped her from going to work, citing concerns over changes in her lifestyle.
Police then carried out a covert inquiry by deploying personnel in housekeeping roles within the 147-member office. Based on the findings, the first FIR was registered on March 26 against Danish Sheikh, who is accused of hiding his marital status and entering into a relationship with the complainant under the promise of marriage.
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Between March 26 and April 3, Nashik Police registered nine FIRs against eight individuals -- Danish Sheikh, Shafi Shaikh, Asif Ansari, Tausif Attar, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, Ashwini Chainani and Nida Khan. The charges include sexual harassment and hurting religious sentiments. All accused except Nida Khan have been arrested. Her anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a Nashik sessions court.
Meanwhile, families of several complainants said the women are under severe emotional stress. One complainant who recently quit her job reportedly feels her career has been affected. Another is undergoing counselling, while a third is said to be under family pressure to leave work permanently, leaving her distressed.
The investigation is ongoing.