A possible international link has emerged in the widening investigation into harassment and coercion at a Nashik facility of Tata Consultancy Services, after investigators traced digital conversations to a man believed to be based in Malaysia. Officials examining seized devices say WhatsApp chats and video calls indicate that the individual, identified as Imran, may have been introduced to employees through online interactions discussing opportunities abroad and promises of a better lifestyle.
Authorities say the suspected foreign connection has become a significant line of inquiry in the probe being conducted by the Nashik City Police and a Special Investigation Team formed to examine multiple complaints filed by employees. Investigators are still verifying the man’s identity and exact role in the chats. Still, officials believe the conversations may indicate links to a broader network operating beyond the workplace.
Tip-off triggers covert police operation
The investigation began in February after a political party worker alerted police to unusual developments involving a young Hindu woman employed at the company who had started observing Ramzan fasts. The information prompted officers to quietly examine activities within the company’s business process outsourcing facility in Nashik.
Police subsequently launched a covert operation by deploying four officers disguised as housekeeping staff inside the premises. Over several weeks, the undercover personnel observed daily interactions among employees and reported their findings to senior investigators. Officials say their observations helped corroborate complaints later filed by several workers.
First complaint and widening allegations
The first First Information Report was registered after investigators found that the woman at the centre of the initial complaint had been in a relationship with a colleague, Danish Shaikh. According to police, he allegedly concealed the fact that he was already married and had two children. Investigators claim he established sexual relations with the woman under the promise of marriage and allegedly influenced her to adopt his religious practices. Based on these findings, the police registered a case of rape and added charges relating to hurting religious sentiments.
Following the first complaint, more employees approached investigators with similar allegations. Police have now registered at least nine FIRs linked to incidents at the Nashik facility.
Eight women and one man have filed complaints alleging sexual harassment, stalking, coercion, and attempts to influence religious practices. Investigators say most of the complainants are young employees aged between 18 and 25 who were working in entry-level roles.
Digital evidence points to an organised pattern
Investigators believe the incidents may have occurred over the past two to three years. According to officials, several of the accused held supervisory positions and allegedly engaged in inappropriate behaviour while exerting pressure on colleagues to follow certain religious practices.
Digital evidence has emerged as a crucial element in the case. Members of the Special Investigation Team say they have identified WhatsApp groups in which colleagues were allegedly discussed, potential targets identified, and actions coordinated. Deleted messages are now being retrieved through forensic analysis to determine the scale and intent behind the alleged activities.
Investigators have so far identified at least 12 employees as possible targets, while statements from three additional individuals have been recorded, even though they have not filed formal complaints.
Arrests, absconding HR manager, and company response
Several employees have been arrested in connection with the case, including Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, Tausif Attar, and Ashwin Chainani. Police say the investigation initially began with the arrest of Danish Shaikh and his associate Tousif Attar.
Meanwhile, the company’s HR manager, Nida Khan, remains absconding, and investigators are examining her role in recruitment decisions and the handling of internal complaints. Authorities are also scrutinising the bank accounts of the accused to determine whether financial transactions were linked to the alleged activities.
Responding to the controversy, N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, described the allegations as deeply concerning and said a thorough investigation was underway. The company said it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or coercion and confirmed that employees under investigation have been suspended pending inquiry.
Aarthi Subramanian, chief operating officer of Tata Consultancy Services, said stringent action would be taken against anyone found guilty and that necessary corrective measures would be implemented.
The controversy has also triggered political reactions. Bandi Sanjay Kumar of the Bharatiya Janata Party described the episode as “corporate jihad”, while Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the company’s response as inadequate.
As the Special Investigation Team continues its inquiry, investigators say more victims could come forward, and additional suspects may be identified. The emerging Malaysia connection has intensified scrutiny of the case and raised wider questions about corporate accountability, workplace safety, and the effectiveness of internal grievance mechanisms in India’s technology sector.
