TCS suspends its employees accused of sexual harassment

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has confirmed suspension of several employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at its Nashik office. This action comes after eight women employees filed complaints accusing colleagues of harassment and forced religious conversion.

A company spokesperson said, “TCS has a long-standing zero- tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form. 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.”

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Police has been formed and arrested seven people so far, which includes a senior HR manager. The arrests follow allegations that senior colleagues subjected employees to prolonged mental and sexual harassment, while complaints were allegedly ignored.

According to police, for last four years the alleged harassment was taking place. Nine cases have been registered, including charges related to sexual harassment and hurting religious sentiments.  

One of the accused were allegedly engaged in a physical relationship with a woman under the false promise of marriage. In another instance, an employee was reportedly subjected to inappropriate physical contact and derogatory remarks about her personal and marital life.

"When the complainant repeatedly lodged verbal complaints regarding these incidents with the company's head officer, he failed to take cognizance of her complaints regarding the molestation; instead, he effectively abetted their actions," the police said in a statement.

Additional allegations include repeated obscene remarks about a victim’s physical appearance. In a separate case, one of the accused is said to have forced a male employee to perform Namaz and insulted his religious beliefs.

Five of the accused were arrested earlier this week and presented before a local court, which remanded them to police custody until April 10. Another accused remains in judicial custody.

The police urged other women to step forward if they have experienced harassment. They asked them to contact them through WhatsApp at 9923323311.