Mumbai: New details have emerged in the case involving allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at the Nashik BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services.

According to statement to the police, one of the victims alleged that Shafi Sheikh, one of the accused, proposed to her despite knowing that she was already married. She told investigators that he said, “I really like you. Will you be my girlfriend?”

The woman further stated that another accused, Raza Menon, made inappropriate remarks towards her. She said these actions caused her significant discomfort.

Phones seized, technical probe underway

As part of the investigation, police have confiscated Shafi Sheikh’s mobile phone to examine evidence related to the alleged mental and sexual harassment reported by complainants.

Officials are currently carrying out a technical analysis in the case. However, the mobile phones of the remaining accused are yet to be seized. A forensic examination of all devices is expected to play a key role in advancing the investigation.

Arrests and missing accused

So far, seven employees have been arrested in connection with the case. Those taken into custody include Danish Sheikh, Shafi Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi and Asif Aftab Ansari.

Another accused, Nida Khan, who is a Process Associate, has also been named in the case but is currently missing.

Allegations of assault in custody

Shafi Sheikh, who has worked with the company for several years as a business process analyst, told a court on Thursday that he was assaulted by other inmates while in jail. Reports indicate that he has now sought police protection while in custody.

The court has remanded him and Raza Menon to two-day police custody until April 18.

The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 74 for outraging a woman’s modesty, Section 75 for sexual harassment, and Section 79 relating to words, gestures or acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty.

Background

The matter first came to light in March, when a woman employed at the Nashik BPO unit filed a complaint alleging that a colleague had maintained a physical relationship with her on the promise of marriage.

Some complainants have also alleged that the accused attempted to forcibly convert them, causing distress and hurting their religious sentiments.

N Chandrasekaran described the allegations emerging from the Nashik office as “gravely concerning and anguishing”. He said a detailed internal investigation is being conducted under Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian to establish the facts and identify those responsible.

Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government has directed central agencies to investigate the case. He assured that those found guilty will not be spared and that authorities will get to the root of the matter.

With agency inputs