A senior HR official from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Nashik unit has been arrested as part of a comprehensive investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercion. The official, an Assistant General Manager (AGM) and member of the company's Internal Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, faces charges of abetting sexual harassment by reportedly ignoring repeated complaints.
The arrested AGM, 51, was taken into custody by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from her Pune residence on April 10 and subsequently remanded to police custody until April 15. Court documents from the SIT indicate that despite being informed of the allegations, the AGM allegedly failed to act and discouraged the complainant from pursuing the matter.
Expanding Investigation and Multiple Arrests
The probe has led to the registration of nine First Information Reports (FIRs) and multiple arrests. These cases stem from complaints filed by eight women employees, detailing incidents that occurred between July 2022 and March 2026. The allegations are wide-ranging, including inappropriate touching, stalking, obscene remarks, sexual exploitation, coercion, religious pressure, and exploitation under the pretext of marriage.
Several individuals, including Tausif Attar, Danish Sheikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, Ashwini Chaunani, Shafi Sheikh, and Aasif Ansari, have been arrested. One accused, Nida Khan, remains at large. The initial FIR was lodged on March 26 at Devlali Camp police station, followed by additional cases at Mumbai Naka police station.
SIT Scrutiny and Digital Evidence
Investigators are meticulously examining a vast array of digital and physical evidence, including internal emails, chat records, call detail records, and CCTV footage. The goal is to ascertain whether complaints were deliberately ignored, suppressed, or mishandled by the HR department. Public prosecutor Kiran Bendbhar informed the court that a senior manager had repeatedly emailed the AGM regarding complaints against two accused employees, emails that have since been recovered by the SIT.
In total, 78 additional emails and various chat records are under detailed examination. Call records also reveal multiple conversations between the AGM and the accused employees, raising further questions about the handling of the complaints. The HR department's role, particularly the arrested official's position within the POSH Internal Committee—mandated to address workplace harassment—is under intense scrutiny. Authorities are also reviewing bank records for potential financial links to the case.
TCS Response and Calls for Audit
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that the company is treating the matter with “utmost seriousness,” describing the allegations as “gravely concerning and anguishing.” He confirmed that a detailed internal investigation is underway, led by TCS COO Aarthi Subramanian, to establish accountability, with strict action promised against those found guilty.
TCS has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and confirmed the suspension of all accused employees pending the investigation. The company has also issued an internal communication encouraging employees to report any similar incidents. Meanwhile, the employee union NITES has called for a comprehensive audit of POSH compliance not only at TCS but across the entire IT sector, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of existing grievance redressal systems. The SIT’s investigation is ongoing, with further arrests not ruled out.