TCS shocker: Nashik staff suspended over sexual assault, religious coercion allegations

“As soon as we were made aware of the matter in Nashik, we took swift action,” a TCS spokesperson told The Hindu Business Line.

Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion, the company said the employees under investigation have been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Police arrest six employees

According to media reports, the Nashik Police recently arrested six employees of the company. One has been charged with sexual exploitation of a colleague on the pretext of marriage, while five others face charges of sexual harassment and hurting the religious sentiments of women colleagues over multiple incidents spanning four years.

Police told The Times of India that the Nashik office has around 300 employees, with most of the accused holding team leader positions.

Nine cases registered

Reports indicate that nine cases have been registered in connection with the matter. Eight complaints were filed by women employees alleging sexual offences and religious harassment, while one complaint was filed by a male employee over hurting religious sentiments.

HR official named in complaint

Nashik’s Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Sandeep Mitke, said an HR official has also been named as a suspect in one of the cases.

According to the complainant, she had emailed the HR official reporting workplace harassment, but was allegedly advised to “stay cool,” with the claim that such behaviour was common in multinational companies. The HR official has not been arrested so far.

Special Investigation Team formed

Sandeep Karnik, Commissioner of Police, Nashik, said authorities are taking the allegations seriously.

“We have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under an officer of the rank of ACP to investigate all these cases,” he said.

Karnik also urged women facing workplace harassment to come forward, assuring strict action against offenders.