Nashik TCS case: SIT files second chargesheet in connection with eight FIRs

The Special Investigation Team SIT probing the alleged sexual harassment and forced conversion case involving employees at Tata Consultancy Services TCS Nashik unit has filed its second chargesheet before a local court reported PTIThe chargesheet pertains to eight First Information Reports FIRs registered at Mumbai Naka Police Station in Nashik under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS officials saidThe development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into allegations of harassment coercion and religious discrimination raised by several women employeesSecond chargesheet filed in Nashik courtAccording to officials the chargesheet was submitted before the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Nashik on Thursday reported PTIThe accused named in the chargesheet include Raza Rafiq Memon Shahrukh Husain Shaukat Qureshi Ashwini Ashok Chainani Tausif Bilal Attar Shafi Bhikan Sheikh Danish Ejaz Sheikh and Nida Ejaz Khan among others reported PTIInvestigators have been examining multiple complaints lodged by employees who alleged harassment and coercion at the workplaceThe latest filing follows the SITs earlier chargesheet submitted on May 22 in connection with a separate case registered at Deolali Camp Police StationEarlier 1500page chargesheet filedIn the first case the SIT filed a 1500page chargesheet against Danish Ejaz Sheikh Tausif Bilal Attar Nida Ejaz Khan and Matin Majid Patel reported PTIThe charges were filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities ActAuthorities have not disclosed all details of the evidence submitted but officials indicated that the investigation involved examination of digital records witness statements and other documentary material reported PTIThe SIT was constituted after a series of complaints from employees at the Nashik office of the IT services companyEmployees alleged harassment and religious coercionAccording to the complaints several women employees accused certain individuals of sexual harassment mental harassment hurting religious sentiments and attempts to force religious conversion reported PTIThe complainants alleged that employees were targeted through a WhatsApp group and were subjected to pressure regarding religious practicesSome employees claimed they were encouraged or pressured to participate in prayers consume nonvegetarian food and alter their personal religious practicesVictims also alleged that attempts were made to influence them into adopting specific religious customs including changes in dietary habits and the use of religious symbols reported PTIThe allegations triggered widespread attention and led to the formation of a dedicated investigation team to examine the complaintsCorporator questioned over shelter allegationMeanwhile investigators have also questioned All India MajliseIttehadul Muslimeen AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel in connection with the casePolice alleged that Patel provided shelter to accused Nida Khan while she was allegedly evading arrestAccording to officials Patel was questioned for nearly nine hours on May 25 as part of the investigationHe has been directed to appear before the police again on June 1 for further questioningPolice have not announced any action against Patel so far and the investigation into the allegation remains ongoingTCS reiterates zerotolerance policyTata Consultancy Services has maintained that it follows a strict zerotolerance policy towards workplace harassment coercion and misconductThe company earlier stated that employees allegedly involved in the incidents under investigation at its Nashik office had been suspended pending further proceedingsTCS has also said it is cooperating with authorities and remains committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all employeesThe SIT investigation is continuing and officials indicated that further legal action may follow depending on the evidence gathered during the probeWith inputs from PTI