- By Chetna Shree
- Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
TCS Nashik Harassment Case: A major controversy has erupted at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) facility in Nashik following a police crackdown that resulted in the arrest of seven individuals employed at the company.
From First Tip-Off To Massive Controversy
The investigation began in February after a worker of a political party registered a complaint with the Nashik City Police. The worker alleged that a Hindu woman working at the IT firm was observing the Ramzan fast, prompting authorities to launch a covert operation at the office.
The operation revealed that several team leaders at the IT firm were allegedly involved in sexual harassment, rape, and attempts to forcibly convert the religion of their co-workers. According to investigators, the WhatsApp chats further disclosed that a Malaysia-linked preacher, Irman, was introduced to the victims via video calls.
The operation followed a police crackdown, which led to the arrest of seven individuals employed at the company. Those arrested include Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, and Tausif Attar, among others. Another employee, Ashwin Chainani, has been arrested, news agency ANI reported. HR manager Nida Khan remains on the run as investigators scrutinise her role and hiring practices, India Today quoted a source as saying.
Police have registered at least nine FIRs related to sexual harassment and religious conversion. They are currently scrutinising the bank accounts of the accused to determine if they received external funding to carry out these illegal activities.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an ACP-level officer has been formed to probe the complaints lodged by eight female employees who allege they were mentally and sexually harassed by senior colleagues while the HR department ignored their grievances.
Undercover Operation Reveals Conversion
The political party worker, who registered a complaint with the Nashik City Police, alleged that a Hindu woman in her early 20s was being influenced to follow the teachings of Islam at her workplace. Upon contacting the woman's family, investigators found that they had stopped sending their daughter to the office after noticing she had begun observing the Ramzan fast and aligning her life according to Islam, The Indian Express reported.
To investigate the happenings at the workplace, four undercover officers disguised as housekeeping staff, monitored daily interactions among the employees and reported their findings to senior officials. After two weeks of undercover operations, the investigators felt that their probe was enough to initiate action.
The first FIR was lodged after an investigation revealed that the woman who had begun fasting was in a relationship with an employee named Danish Shaikh. Investigators found that he had hidden the fact that he was already married.
"We registered the first FIR on charges of rape in the case of a woman who had observed fasts. She was in a relationship with a now-arrested accused, Danish Shaikh, who allegedly hid the fact that he was already married. In February, a month before the FIR, Danish's wife had messaged the woman and then told her on a call that he was married and had two children," the newspaper quoted an officer as saying.
"The rape case was registered since he had established sexual relations with the woman with the promise to marry her. Also, the section on hurting religious sentiments was added as he influenced her to follow his religion," the officer added.
From Tip-Off To 9 FIRs, 8 Arrests
The initial FIR against Danish triggered several FIRs across Maharashtra. Women, primarily aged between 18 and 25, came forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion. The accused faces multiple charges under Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita (BNS), including sexual harassment, rape, stalking, and hurting religious sentiments.
Out of nine FIRs registered, seven follow a consistent pattern of abuse, such as alleged personal comments about their marital lives, illicit touch, and innuendos. Furthermore, employees alleged that their work assignments were increased if they did not play along.
Speaking to The Indian Express, ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, who is leading the Special Investigation Team (SIT), stated that the probe intensified after the arrests of Danish and his associate, Tousif Attar, for allegedly seeking sexual favours from a colleague. During the investigation, authorities reportedly found a photograph on Attar’s phone showing a Hindu colleague dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
Among the eight accused, seven have been arrested.
What Did The Company Say
The company, in a statement, said, "We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and well-being of our employees at the workplace. As soon as we were made aware of the matter in Nashik, we took swift action. The employees being investigated have been suspended pending an enquiry. We are cooperating with the local law enforcement authorities, and any further action will be based on the conclusion of this investigation."