Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that it has not received any complaints via its internal ethics or Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) channels from employees who have filed First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding the sexual harassment cases in Nashik occurring between 2022 and 2026. The company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, K Krithivasan, stated that investigations into these allegations are ongoing.

In an official statement, TCS emphasised that preliminary reviews of records related to the Nashik unit revealed no reports of the nature being alleged. The company has put in place several measures to examine the allegations thoroughly.

Independent teams from Deloitte and the law firm Trilegal have been engaged to assist with the internal investigation, which is being led by Aarthi Subramanian, the President and Chief Operating Officer of TCS. An oversight committee under the leadership of independent director Keki Mistry has also been formed to assess findings and suggest necessary actions.

Clarifications Made by TCS

TCS sought to clarify certain misunderstandings that have circulated in the media. Nida Khan, often referred to as an HR manager, is clarified to be a process associate without any recruitment or leadership responsibilities. Furthermore, the company refuted claims that the Nashik unit has ceased operations and reiterated that normal operations are ongoing.

The conglomerate reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare, asserting its zero-tolerance policy on coercion and misconduct. TCS highlighted that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation of the allegations.

The company stated, “We continue to extend full cooperation to the law enforcement agencies so that the matter is investigated thoroughly, transparently and brought to a rightful conclusion.”

Nature of Allegations in Nashik Case

The cases in Nashik have generated considerable concern, with various complaints alleging that a group of employees has targeted their colleagues, mainly women aged between 18 and 25. As of now, nine FIRs have been registered, including one from a male employee alleging religious harassment and an attempt at conversion.

Details from the complaints encompass claims of abuse against Hindu deities, coercive behaviour to adopt specific religious practices, and incidents of enforced consumption of non-vegetarian food. The gravity of the allegations has prompted serious attention from company leadership.

As a result of the investigations, eight individuals have been taken into custody. The arrested include seven men identified as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansar, and Shahrukh Sheikh, alongside one woman. It has been alleged that certain accused individuals held senior positions and misused their authority to harass their colleagues.

One police officer stated that Nida Khan allegedly discouraged a female employee from filing a complaint, suggesting that such incidents were commonplace. In light of these serious allegations, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has publicly described the claims as “gravely concerning and distressing.” He indicated that a comprehensive internal inquiry is actively progressing to ascertain facts and determine accountability.

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