Investigation – SIT Submits Fresh Chargesheet in Nashik Workplace Harassment Probe
Investigation – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining allegations of workplace harassment and religious coercion linked to employees at a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) facility in Nashik has submitted a fresh chargesheet before a local court. The latest filing outlines details connected to multiple complaints and expands the ongoing investigation into the matter.
Chargesheet Covers Multiple Criminal Cases
According to officials associated with the investigation, the chargesheet was presented on Thursday before the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Nashik. The document relates to eight separate First Information Reports (FIRs) registered at Mumbai Naka Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Among those named as accused in the filing are Raza Rafiq Memon, Shahrukh Hussain Shaukat Qureshi, Ashwini Ashok Chainani, Tausif Bilal Attar, Shafi Bhikhan Shaikh, Danish Ejaz Shaikh and Nida Ejaz Khan, along with several others. Investigators have alleged involvement in acts connected to exploitation and attempts to influence religious practices.
Earlier Chargesheet Filed in Separate Case
This development follows an earlier chargesheet submitted by the SIT on May 22. That document reportedly extended to nearly 1,500 pages and was linked to a separate case registered at Deolali Camp Police Station. The earlier filing invoked provisions of both the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In that case, Danish Ejaz Shaikh, Tausif Bilal Attar, Nida Ejaz Khan and Matin Majid Patel were named as accused. Authorities continue to examine evidence gathered from complainants and other witnesses connected to the investigation.
Allegations Raised by Female Employees
The SIT was formed after several women employed at the Nashik unit of the information technology company approached authorities with serious allegations. The complaints included claims of workplace exploitation, mental harassment, inappropriate conduct, attempts to pressure employees into religious conversion, and actions that allegedly offended religious beliefs.
Investigators have been collecting statements and examining digital evidence as part of the inquiry. Officials maintain that the investigation remains active and that all allegations are being assessed through the legal process.
Claims of Pressure Through Online Groups
According to statements made by complainants, certain employees were allegedly approached through WhatsApp groups where they faced pressure related to religious practices and personal lifestyle choices. Some women claimed they were encouraged to participate in prayers and consume non-vegetarian food despite their preferences.
Additional allegations state that some individuals were subjected to pressure to adopt particular customs, including changes in dietary habits, participation in religious rituals and the use of specific religious symbols. These claims form a significant part of the evidence currently under review by investigators.
Corporator Questioned During Probe
Meanwhile, police have also questioned AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel in connection with the case. Investigators suspect that Patel may have provided assistance to Nida Khan while she was allegedly avoiding law enforcement action.
Officials said Patel underwent questioning for nearly nine hours on May 25. Authorities have directed him to appear again before investigators on June 1 as the probe continues.
Investigation Continues
The SIT’s latest filing marks another major step in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the allegations. With multiple FIRs under investigation and several accused named in chargesheets, authorities are expected to continue examining evidence and recording statements before further action is taken through the judicial process.