Serious matter, no one will be shielded: Fadnavis on TCS Nashik sex abuse case
Devendra Fadnavis said the Nashik BPO case is very serious and assured strict action, stating no one will be shielded. He added that central agencies have been informed and will be involved in the probe, which suggests a larger module with wider reach that authorities plan to fully investigate.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday finally broke his silence on the alleged forced religious conversion and sexual harassment cases at a TCS-linked BPO in Nashik, saying that no one will be spared and that he will involve central agencies, as the preliminary probe points to a large module.
Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Fadnavis said, “It is a very serious matter, and we are paying close attention to it. We will not shield anyone.”
“The TCS chief has also condemned it, and we have informed the central agencies and will take their help. It appears to be a large module; we will investigate how far its reach extends,” he added.
Police have registered nine cases in connection with the allegations. While seven men and a woman have been arrested, another accused, Nida Khan is in Mumbai and has applied for an anticipatory bail.
Explaining the role of the two female accused, Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik said on Wednesday that the operations and HR head of the unit had allegedly discouraged a victim from submitting a complaint, saying "these things happen" and sided with the accused.
In a related development, the Nashik court on Wednesday remanded the female operations manager in judicial custody till April 28.
Responding to reports speculating involvement of any extremist organisation or funding from abroad for the accused, the police commissioner said a thorough investigation is underway, and the police have written to the SID, ATS and NIA.
"As and when we get some evidence, we will be able to come to a conclusion about the same," he added.
He said nine cases registered by the police include a complaint lodged by a male employee of the firm, alleging an attempt at religious conversion and religious harassment at the workplace.
Earlier this week, the police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the complaints lodged by eight female employees, who claimed that senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, while the human resources department ignored their complaints.
The police have registered nine cases concerning allegations of misconduct at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Seven men and a woman have been arrested, while another accused, Nida Khan, is in Mumbai and has applied for anticipatory bail.
Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik explained on Wednesday that the operations and HR head of the unit allegedly discouraged a victim from filing a complaint, stating that "these things happen" and sided with the accused, reported news agency PTI. In a related development, the Nashik court has placed the female operations manager in judicial custody until April 28.
Addressing reports about potential extremist involvement or foreign funding for the accused, the police commissioner stated that a thorough investigation is ongoing. The police have reached out to the SID, ATS, and NIA for assistance. "As and when we gather evidence, we will be able to draw conclusions on the matter," he added.
Among the nine cases registered, there is a complaint from a male employee alleging attempted religious conversion and religious harassment at the workplace. The other FIRs are also based on allegations of forced conversion, as well as sexual and religious harassment.
Earlier this week, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed to examine complaints from eight female employees who accused senior colleagues of mental and sexual harassment, which the human resources department allegedly ignored.
The police have arrested eight TCS employees, including seven men and the female operations manager. Another female employee remains absconding, according to investigators. The male accused are identified as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansar, and Shahrukh Sheikh.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran described the sexual harassment allegations as 'gravely concerning and anguishing' and announced that a detailed investigation is being conducted under TCS's Chief Operating Officer, Arathi Subramanian, to ascertain the facts and identify those responsible.