TCS Nashik case: SIT probes sexual harassment claims and alleged pressure to convert

Police in Nashik said a woman linked to an alleged sexual harassment case at a TCS unit claimed coercion and religious pressure. The complaint alleged one accused hid a marriage and built a physical relationship against the woman’s wishes. The woman also told police there was pressure to convert to Islam. Nashik police formed a Special Investigation Team and arrested eight people.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the case on Saturday in a high-level home department meeting, officials said. The Chief Minister directed a wider investigation into the allegations. "Incidents like religious conversion will not be tolerated. Examine all possible patterns and angles; no aspect should be left out,\" the CM said. Fadnavis also praised Nashik police for flagging the case.

Sexual harassment case at TCS Nashik unit under probe

Nashik police said the SIT registered nine FIRs after allegations emerged at Tata Consultancy Services in the city. One FIR, based on a victim’s complaint, mentioned alleged sexual harassment, blackmail, and pressure to change religion. Police invoked Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 68, 75 and 299. Authorities said eight more FIRs were also filed over similar allegations at the unit.

According to the FIR, the complainant met one accused four years ago as both attended the same college. The accused allegedly promised help in getting a job at TCS after graduation. The complaint said that in July 2022 the accused tried to force himself on the complainant. It also said the accused expressed a desire to marry the complainant.

The FIR said the complainant later joined TCS’s Nashik unit where the accused also worked. The woman alleged that in August 2024 the accused took the complainant to a resort. The complaint stated that the accused established a physical relationship against the complainant’s wishes. Police said the complainant later learned details about the accused’s marriage.

The FIR stated that in February 2026 the accused’s wife contacted the complainant. The complainant then found the accused was married and had two children, the complaint said. After being confronted, the accused allegedly admitted having no plan to marry the complainant. Police are examining the sequence of events described in the complaint.

Religious conversion claims in TCS Nashik unit FIR

The complainant told police the accused and two colleagues often met the complainant in the company canteen. The FIR said the trio made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities. The complaint also mentioned comments about worshipping Shivalinga and insults aimed at Draupadi of the Mahabharat. The complainant further alleged pressure to convert to Islam, calling it superior.

The FIR also alleged sexual harassment and blackmail by some co-accused. Police said they are investigating these claims alongside other FIRs connected to the same TCS unit. The SIT has arrested eight people so far, officials said. Investigators are also checking any shared patterns across cases, as directed by the state leadership.

Court updates and Nida Khan bail plea in TCS Nashik unit case

A magistrate’s court extended the police remand of co-accused Raza Memon, 35, and Shafi Sheikh, 36, till April 20. The court noted WhatsApp chats shown by police. The court said the chats indicated attempts to outrage the complainant’s modesty through obscene messages. Police sought extended custody as the investigation continued.

Nida Khan, a woman employee named among the accused, filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Nashik sessions court. The court is set to hear the plea on Monday. Khan’s lawyer denied the allegations and argued Khan cannot be accused of outraging another woman’s modesty. The plea also cited Khan’s two-month-old pregnancy.

TCS said on Friday that an initial review of records showed no such complaints were received through its ethics or POSH channels. The company also announced an oversight panel and said external entities were engaged for an internal inquiry. TCS said it followed a zero-tolerance policy on coercion or misconduct. TCS also stated Khan was not an HR manager.

Nashik Police Crime Branch officials said a team was stationed in Mumbra in Thane district to trace Nida Khan. Police said the SIT continued work across nine FIRs linked to the TCS unit. The state government said the investigation will be comprehensive, as directed in the high-level review. The case remains under active investigation and court oversight.

With inputs from PTI