Nashik harassment case: Male accused acted like organised gang to target women staff

Police investigation into the Nashik IT firm harassment case has intensified, with authorities describing the alleged misconduct as a case of organised workplace abuse involving coordinated actions by employees across roles and departments.

So far, nine FIRs registered cover allegations of sexual harassment at workplace , attempted religious conversion , coercion, and repeated failure of internal grievance systems. The complaints were filed by multiple employees, with investigators noting that the accused appeared across several cases, suggesting a systematic pattern of harassment and intimidation .

Police have arrested eight individuals, including seven male employees and two women in supervisory roles, while one female employee remains absconding. Officials said senior staff allegedly engaged in misuse of authority by team leads and managers , targeting junior employees and vulnerable recruits.

Recent reports indicate victims were often financially vulnerable employees , allegedly exploited through manipulation and pressure tactics over a period spanning 2022 to 2026. Investigators are also examining claims of long-term workplace coercion spanning nearly four years , rather than isolated incidents.

A senior HR official has been accused of failing to act on complaints and discouraging victims from reporting incidents , while internal emails and chats are under scrutiny for possible lapses in the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) mechanism.

The probe has been expanded beyond local police, with authorities reaching out to ATS, NIA and SID to examine any possible wider or external links. Financial transactions of the accused are also under review to rule out coordinated funding or external influence.

Following police counselling and intervention, more victims came forward, leading to additional FIRs. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now coordinating the probe, while TCS has initiated an internal inquiry and directed staff to work from home during the ongoing investigation.