Nashik Crime Branch searches Mumbra for accused in TCS unit conversion and harassment case

A Nashik police Crime Branch team reached Mumbra in Thane district to trace a woman wanted in a case. The case links to alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment at a TCS unit in Nashik. Officers questioned the woman’s husband at the family home on Friday, an official said.

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Police said the woman has been absconding since complaints were filed in Nashik, where the Tata Consultancy Services unit is based. An official said the team is now stationed in Mumbra. Police believe the accused has stayed in the area for about two months to avoid arrest.

Nashik police Crime Branch tracks absconding woman in Mumbra

Police sources said the husband was asked about the woman’s location. The husband told officers the woman had gone to a relative’s house, another official said. When the team visited that address, the home was locked. The phones of the accused and the relative were also switched off, the official added.

The investigating team is acting on specific leads in Mumbra, police said. "We have information that the accused had shifted her base to evade arrest, a police officer said.\" Officials said three police teams were formed to trace the woman. The teams were sent to different places, and one arrived in Mumbra.

SIT probes TCS unit complaints in Nashik

After the matter surfaced last week, Nashik police set up a special investigation team (SIT). The SIT is examining complaints lodged by eight female employees of the IT major. The women alleged mental and sexual harassment by senior colleagues. The complaints also claimed the human resources department ignored concerns raised by staff.

Police also cited allegations of forced religious conversion at the TCS facility. The SIT is probing nine cases tied to exploitation and attempts at forceful conversion. The cases also include claims of hurting religious sentiments, molestation, and mental harassment of female employees at the unit.

Police have arrested eight TCS employees so far, officials said. Those held include seven men and the female operations manager at the unit. Officials said another female employee remains absconding. The Nashik team in Mumbra is searching for this woman as part of the wider probe.

TCS response on harassment allegations at Nashik office

TCS said it has followed a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and coercion for a long time. The company said employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office were suspended. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran called the issue gravely concerning and anguishing. N Chandrasekaran said an internal investigation was underway to establish facts and identify those responsible.

Officials said the Crime Branch team will continue checks in Mumbra while the SIT pursues the nine registered cases. Police said the search depends on leads about the absconding woman’s movements and contacts. The probe continues alongside the company’s internal process and the suspensions already announced.

With inputs from PTI