TCS Nashik allegations: SIT arrests eight as CM Devendra Fadnavis orders comprehensive probe

A woman who complained of alleged sexual harassment at a TCS unit in Nashik told police about coercion and religious pressure. The complaint alleged a colleague hid a marriage and forced a physical relationship. The woman also alleged pressure to convert to Islam. As the case widened, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a detailed investigation.

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Nashik police formed a Special Investigation Team and registered nine FIRs linked to the TCS unit. Police arrested eight people in the matter, officials said. A court also extended police custody for two co-accused. The SIT is probing allegations of sexual harassment and claims of pressure for religious conversion at the workplace.

TCS case: What the FIR alleges

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 her. The accused also expressed a desire to marry, the complaint stated.

The woman later joined TCS’s Nashik unit, where the accused also worked, the FIR said. The complaint alleged that in August 2024 the accused took her to a resort. The accused then "established a physical relationship with her against her wishes", the woman told police. The FIR said the accused concealed a marriage during the relationship.

The complainant stated that in February 2026 the accused’s wife contacted her. The woman then learnt the accused was married and had two children, the FIR said. After a confrontation, the accused allegedly admitted having no plan to marry. The FIR also named two other colleagues who allegedly interacted with her often in the canteen.

TCS case: Religious remarks and conversion pressure

The FIR alleged the three colleagues made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities. The complainant said they made objectionable comments about worshipping Shivalinga. The complaint also alleged insulting remarks about Draupadi from the Mahabharat. The woman told police they pressured her to convert to Islam, calling it a superior religion.

The FIR further alleged sexual harassment and blackmail by some of the co-accused. Police applied Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 68, 75 and 299 in this FIR. Section 68 covers sexual intercourse achieved through deceitful means. Section 75 relates to sexual harassment. Section 299 deals with hurting religious sentiments.

TCS case: Company response and internal probe

TCS said on Friday that initial checks did not show such complaints on its channels. The company said, "a preliminary review of the records indicated that it had not received any complaints of the nature that are being alleged on either our ethics or POSH prevention of sexual harassment channels.\" TCS also announced an oversight panel and external entities for its internal inquiry.

The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards coercion or misconduct. TCS also clarified on Friday that Nida Khan was not an HR manager. The company said Khan never held any leadership role. Police said a Nashik Police Crime Branch team was stationed in Mumbra, Thane district, to trace Khan.

TCS case: Arrests, bail plea and custody extension

Nida Khan, a woman employee named as an accused, moved the Nashik sessions court for anticipatory bail. The court is set to hear the application on Monday. Separately, a court extended the police remand of co-accused Raza Memon, 35, and Shafi Sheikh, 36, till April 20. Police earlier sought more time for questioning, officials said.

Khan’s lawyer rejected the allegations and challenged the nature of the accusations. The lawyer said she cannot be accused of outraging the modesty of another woman. The bail application also mentioned Khan’s two-month-old pregnancy as a ground. Police continued efforts to locate Khan, while the SIT examined the multiple FIRs connected to the unit.

TCS case: Fadnavis orders comprehensive probe

Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level home department meeting on Saturday to review key ongoing investigations, including the TCS case, an official said. \"Incidents like religious conversion will not be tolerated. Examine all possible patterns and angles; no aspect should be left out,\" the CM said. Devendra Fadnavis also praised Nashik police for bringing the matter to light.

Investigators are continuing work on the nine FIRs linked to the TCS unit in Nashik. Police have already arrested eight people and secured extended custody for two accused. The case includes allegations of sexual harassment, deceit, and pressure linked to religion. Courts are scheduled to hear the pending bail plea, while police pursue remaining accused.

With inputs from PTI