TCS Nashik controversy: Political leaders demand strong action

Mumbai: Allegations of forced religious conversion and sexual exploitation at the Nashik branch of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Tuesday have sparked a major political controversy in Maharashtra. Leaders across party lines have demanded a thorough investigation, though they remain divided on the extent of institutional responsibility.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam described the allegations as “serious and alarming”, claiming that Hindu women employees at the Nashik office were allegedly pressured to change their religion and subjected to exploitation.

He questioned how such incidents could have occurred within a globally reputed company without its awareness.

“We want to ask TCS — you are such a prestigious company providing services worldwide, yet such wrongdoing was happening right under your nose and you were not even aware of it,” Nirupam said.

He further stated that accountability must be established and action taken against those responsible within the company.

BJP calls for strict action and probe

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also reacted strongly, with MLC Chitra Wagh alleging that coercion and pressure were used in the reported conversion cases.

She said the state government, along with Nashik Police and the Home Department, is handling the investigation “very effectively” and conducting a detailed probe into the matter.

Athawale’s legal perspective on conversion

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale offered a more nuanced interpretation, stating that voluntary religious conversion is not illegal. However, he emphasised that any conversion carried out through coercion, inducement or pressure is unlawful and must be dealt with strictly.

“I think there is no legal restriction on voluntary religious conversion. But if someone is trapped, pressured, or influenced improperly, then it becomes illegal,” Athawale said.

NCP-SP response and defence of TCS

NCP-SP National Spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui provided a contrasting view, stating that conversion does not occur through actions such as feeding beef or bitter gourd. He said it typically happens due to either emotional reasons, such as relationships, or financial pressure, and urged the government to investigate the matter thoroughly.

He also cautioned against damaging the reputation of TCS as an institution, stating that any wrongdoing should be attributed to individuals rather than the organisation as a whole.

“TCS is a very good institution of the country. No questions should be raised against it. If some individuals within TCS have done something wrong, the government should investigate it, order a CBI probe, and punish the guilty,” he said.

He further added, “If there are rapists sitting in Parliament, will you defame Parliament? Even after sitting in mosques, many people go and commit rape — will you defame mosques? If a priest sitting in a temple commits an act of lust against someone, will you defame temples?”

Police action and government response

According to officials, Maharashtra Police have taken cognisance of the allegations. The state leadership, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, has treated the matter with urgency.

Authorities are expected to examine all aspects of the case, including the nature of the allegations, the role of individuals involved, and whether any coercion or organised wrongdoing took place within the company premises.

Background of the case

Reports suggest that the controversy began in March after a woman accused a TCS colleague of maintaining a physical relationship with her on the false promise of marriage.

During the investigation, officials reportedly uncovered additional complaints, which led to several more FIRs linked to similar allegations.

Police have arrested at least six employees in connection with the case, based on intelligence inputs received by the Nashik Police Commissioner’s office.

Agency inputs