A chargesheet filed in Nashik has widened the probe into allegations of sexual harassment, religious coercion and workplace intimidation at a Tata Consultancy Services facility, with one woman employee telling police she was made to watch videos of Pakistani Islamic cleric Tariq Jamil and preacher Zakir Naik as part of an alleged effort to influence her religious beliefs.
The victim’s statement, now part of the case record, says three accused used emotional pressure, workplace control and repeated religious messaging to persuade her that accepting Islam would reduce her mental stress. She told investigators that she was also asked to stop visiting temples, a direction allegedly presented to her as a way to ease her anxiety. The account adds a fresh layer to a case that has already raised questions over corporate safeguards, internal complaints systems and the handling of vulnerable employees in a large technology workplace.
Police have treated the allegations as part of a broader pattern rather than a stand-alone workplace dispute. The Special Investigation Team has filed a 1,500-page chargesheet before a Nashik court, bringing together witness statements, digital material, workplace accounts and allegations of sexual harassment, assault, intimidation and hurting religious sentiments. The case has drawn attention because the alleged misconduct took place inside the office environment of one of the country’s largest technology services companies.
The woman’s statement describes what investigators view as a calculated campaign. She alleged that the accused identified her emotional vulnerability and gradually exposed her to religious videos and conversations. The chargesheet says she was told that her mental stress would reduce if she accepted Islam. Over time, she said, she began believing some of what was being repeatedly conveyed to her. Police are examining whether digital links, mobile phone material and witness accounts support the alleged pattern of influence.
The case first came under wider scrutiny after multiple employees approached police with complaints from the Nashik unit. Several FIRs were registered, covering allegations of sexual harassment, religious pressure, intimidation and workplace misconduct. Police said the complaints included accounts from women employees as well as a male employee. Arrests followed, including employees accused of direct harassment and others accused of failing to act on complaints or helping the accused avoid scrutiny.
TCS has suspended employees linked to the allegations and opened an internal investigation. The company has said it is cooperating with police and examining whether its internal processes were followed. Its review has been overseen at senior level, while an oversight mechanism and external advisers were brought in after the allegations became public. The company has also maintained that it had not found corresponding complaints in some internal systems before the police action, a position that has placed fresh focus on whether employees felt safe enough to use formal reporting channels.
The National Commission for Women also examined the matter and flagged what it described as serious concerns about the workplace environment, grievance redressal and compliance with sexual harassment safeguards. Its intervention strengthened scrutiny of whether the facility’s internal complaints mechanisms were effective, particularly in a workplace where younger employees and women were allegedly targeted by colleagues in positions of influence.
Police have also looked into claims that some victims were isolated, pressured or discouraged from pursuing complaints. One employee earlier alleged she had been made to work separately on a terrace and had her belongings restricted. Other accounts alleged vulgar comments, unwanted advances, religious ridicule and pressure to participate in practices against personal belief. All allegations remain subject to trial, and the accused have the right to defend themselves in court.
The legal process has moved through multiple stages since the first FIR was registered at Deolali Camp police station. Courts have considered custody and bail applications, while investigators have sought mobile phones, clothing, digital links and workplace records as possible evidence. The chargesheet indicates that police believe the case involves not only individual acts of misconduct but also a pattern of coordinated behaviour within the office.
