TCS Nashik case: Male accused acted like organised gang to target female colleagues

The investigation into alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment at a Nashik branch of an IT giant suggests that seven male accused operated like an organised gang to target female employees, a senior officer has said.

Police have registered nine cases in connection with the allegations. While seven men and a woman have been arrested, one female accused is on the run.

Explaining the role of the two female accused, Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik said on Wednesday that the operations and HR head of the unit had allegedly discouraged a victim from submitting a complaint, saying "these things happen" and sided with the accused.

In a related development, the Nashik court on Wednesday remanded the female operations manager in judicial custody till April 28.

Responding to reports speculating involvement of any extremist organisation or funding from abroad for the accused, the police commissioner said a thorough investigation is underway, and the police have written to the SID, ATS and NIA.

"As and when we get some evidence, we will be able to come to a conclusion about the same," he added.

He said nine cases registered by the police include a complaint lodged by a male employee of the firm, alleging an attempt at religious conversion and religious harassment at the workplace.

Earlier this week, the police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the complaints lodged by eight female employees, who claimed that senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, while the human resources department ignored their complaints.