‘These things happen’: TCS Nashik HR told complainant seeking to report sexual harassment

A serious controversy has erupted around the Nashik branch of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where multiple employees have accused colleagues of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion.

The case has now escalated into a full-scale criminal investigation, with police registering several FIRs and making multiple arrests.

According to police sources cited by PTI, the issue first came to light when a woman employee attempted to lodge a complaint but was allegedly discouraged by a senior Human Resources official.

The official reportedly told her, “These things happen,” a response that has drawn sharp criticism as the case unfolds.

The situation gained momentum after more employees began stepping forward. So far, eight women have filed complaints detailing harassment at the workplace.

In addition, a male employee has lodged a separate complaint alleging religious harassment and coercion linked to conversion.

Authorities have registered nine separate FIRs in connection with the case. Investigators believe the accused individuals, many of whom held positions such as team leaders or supervisors, may have abused their authority within the organisation.

Police have described the group of accused as operating like an “organised gang” targeting colleagues, particularly women.

Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik confirmed that seven male employees have been named across multiple complaints. Along with them, a female operations manager has also been arrested.

In total, eight individuals linked to TCS have been taken into custody so far. Meanwhile, another female employee named in the probe is currently absconding.

A local court has remanded the arrested operations manager to judicial custody until April 28 as investigations continue.

To handle the complexity of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted.

Officials said the first complainant was initially reluctant to come forward, but sustained efforts by law enforcement, including outreach and counselling, encouraged more victims to report their experiences.

As part of the probe, senior police officials, including a woman Deputy Commissioner of Police and other female officers, visited the TCS office in Nashik to interact with employees and gather further evidence.

Investigators are also examining whether there are wider links to organised networks. While some reports have suggested possible connections to extremist groups or foreign funding, officials have stated that no conclusions have been drawn yet.

Agencies such as the State Intelligence Department, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been consulted as a precautionary measure.

Responding to the allegations, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran described the situation as “gravely concerning and anguishing.” He confirmed that an internal inquiry has been initiated under the supervision of TCS Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian.

The company has also taken immediate action by suspending the employees accused in the case. TCS reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against any form of misconduct or harassment in the workplace.

As investigations continue, the case has raised broader concerns about workplace safety, internal grievance redressal mechanisms, and the responsibility of HR departments in handling sensitive complaints.