TCS Nashik BPO operations suspended amid sexual abuse and conversion allegations

Multiple complaints of workplace harassment and alleged religious coercion trigger police probe, arrests, and a fact-finding inquiry, as TCS halts operations at its Nashik facility and shifts employees to remote work.

Operations at the Nashik-based BPO facility of Tata Consultancy Services have been temporarily suspended following serious allegations of sexual abuse, workplace harassment, and forced religious conversion. Employees have been directed to work from home until further notice as investigations intensify.

The controversy emerged after several women employees accused colleagues of sustained misconduct, prompting authorities to launch a detailed probe. According to police officials, at least nine women have filed complaints, alleging incidents spanning several years, including harassment, coercion, and inappropriate workplace behaviour.

Multiple FIRs, arrests and expanding probe

Law enforcement authorities have registered nine FIRs in connection with the case, including one filed by a male employee alleging religious harassment. So far, eight individuals have been arrested, while one accused remains absconding.

Police officials stated that several of the accused held supervisory roles within the organisation and allegedly used their positions to target colleagues. Investigators believe a group of employees may have acted in coordination, with repeated complaints pointing to similar patterns of behaviour.

The allegations outlined in the FIRs include inappropriate physical contact, stalking, offensive remarks, and repeated unwanted advances. Some complaints also indicate that earlier concerns raised by employees were not adequately addressed, allowing the alleged misconduct to continue.

Alongside sexual harassment claims, multiple complainants have also reported instances of religious coercion. These include allegations of pressure to adopt certain practices, derogatory remarks about personal beliefs, and attempts to influence religious choices within the workplace.

Authorities have widened the scope of the investigation by involving agencies such as the State Intelligence Department, Anti-Terrorism Squad, and National Investigation Agency to examine any broader links.

Institutional response and ongoing inquiry

The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and will conduct an on-site inquiry at the facility. Meanwhile, senior police officials have deployed dedicated teams, including women officers, to support complainants and encourage further reporting.

Reacting to the developments, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, described the allegations as deeply concerning and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway. The probe is being led by the company’s senior leadership to establish facts and ensure accountability.

The suspension of operations underscores the seriousness of the case, as authorities and the company continue parallel investigations. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for workplace governance and employee safety standards within large corporate environments.