Nashik: The police here on Friday filed the first charge sheet in connection with the alleged cases of sexual harassment, exploitation and religious conversion linked to the Tata Consultancy Services unit in Nashik.

The 1,500-page charge sheet was submitted before a sessions court by the police Special Investigation Team in a case registered at Deolali Camp Police Station.

The case has been filed against Danish Ejaz Sheikh, Tausif Bilal Attar, Nida Ejaz Khan and Matin Majid Patel.

Eight arrested across nine FIRs

Police officials said a total of eight people have been arrested so far in connection with nine FIRs linked to the case.

One of the accused, Matin Majid Patel, a corporator associated with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, is accused of sheltering Nida Ejaz Khan at his residence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar while she was allegedly absconding.

The investigation has drawn significant public attention following allegations made by multiple complainants connected to the TCS Nashik office.

Serious charges invoked under BNS and SC/ST Act

The charge sheet includes several provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Among the sections invoked are Section 61(2) relating to criminal conspiracy, Section 64 dealing with rape, Section 68 concerning sexual intercourse by a person in authority, and Section 69 covering sexual intercourse through deceitful means.

Additional charges include abetment under Section 46, sexual harassment under Section 75, cheating under Section 318(4), hurting religious feelings under Section 299, and harbouring an offender under Section 249.

Digital evidence included in investigation

According to police sources, the charge sheet includes multiple forms of digital evidence gathered during the investigation.

Among the materials cited are screenshots of WhatsApp conversations as well as seized email exchanges between the complainants and the accused individuals.

Investigators have reportedly used these communications as part of the evidentiary record presented before the court.

Complaints emerged from TCS Nashik unit

The case gained momentum after eight complainants came forward alleging harassment at the TCS unit in Nashik.

Following the complaints, one case was registered at Deolali Camp police station, while eight additional cases were lodged at Mumbai Naka Police Station.

The allegations triggered a wider investigation into claims of harassment and exploitation within the workplace.

TCS says it has zero tolerance towards harassment

After the allegations surfaced publicly, Tata Consultancy Services issued a statement reiterating its zero-tolerance approach towards harassment and coercion in any form.

The company also stated that employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office had been suspended pending further proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to continue examining evidence connected to the remaining FIRs.

Agency inputs