WorkplaceDispute – Former IT Employee Raises Harassment and Forced Exit Allegations in Pune
WorkplaceDispute – A former employee of a technology company has accused the organization of workplace discrimination, religious harassment, and forcing her to resign from her position. Following these allegations, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Hinjawadi Police in Pune, while a legal notice has also been issued to the company seeking remedial action.
Allegations Presented During Pune Press Conference
The claims were made public during a press briefing held in Pune, where the former employee appeared alongside representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. During the event, she described a series of incidents that she alleged occurred while working at the company’s office in Hinjawadi.
According to her statement, a female colleague repeatedly encouraged her to convert to Islam and pursue a relationship with a Muslim man. The complainant alleged that these conversations extended beyond casual discussions and involved repeated suggestions that changing her religion could lead to a better quality of life and improved prospects overseas.
Employee Claims Objections Led to Workplace Difficulties
The former employee stated that she strongly objected to such remarks and eventually limited her interactions with the colleague strictly to official work matters. She alleged that after distancing herself from these conversations, she experienced continued harassment over several months.
Addressing the media, she claimed that she endured significant mental stress during her tenure and decided to speak publicly to highlight what she described as attempts to influence her religious beliefs. She further alleged that concerns raised before the company did not receive an appropriate response.
Complaint Escalated Within the Organization
The complainant said that she formally reported the matter to senior company officials. However, according to her account, no corrective action followed. Instead, she alleged that a complaint was later filed against her before the company’s internal Ombuds Committee.
She also questioned the fairness of the internal inquiry process, claiming that evidence and documentation submitted by her were not adequately considered. According to her allegations, the investigation did not provide equal weight to her version of events.
Resignation Allegedly Obtained Under Pressure
Another major allegation relates to the circumstances surrounding her departure from the company. The former employee claimed that in August 2025 she was called into a Microsoft Teams meeting with company representatives and was pressured into submitting her resignation.
She alleged that the resignation was not voluntary and that she was denied a fair opportunity to present her case before the decision was finalized.
Legal Notice Seeks Reinstatement and Compensation
Advocate Vivek Bhosale, who is representing the former employee, argued that the resignation was obtained in violation of established labour law principles and natural justice. He stated that a legal notice has been served on the company demanding the withdrawal of the resignation, reinstatement with continuity of service, and compensation amounting to ₹50 lakh for alleged mental suffering and reputational damage.
Organization Calls for Independent Investigation
Representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, who accompanied the former employee during the press conference, urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations. They said the matter raises broader questions concerning workplace safety, religious freedom, and the effectiveness of grievance redressal systems within corporate organizations.
Sunil Ghanwat, the organization’s Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh coordinator, stated that the employee approached the group after allegedly facing repeated harassment. He called for a thorough investigation and requested that authorities ensure a fair examination of all claims presented in the case.
Police Confirm Inquiry Is Underway
Meanwhile, Hinjawadi Police have confirmed receipt of the complaint. Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare stated that an investigation has been initiated following the allegations made by the former employee.
According to the police officer, the complaint includes accusations that a former female superior used objectionable language against the complainant. Authorities have reportedly contacted the individual concerned, who is currently based in Bengaluru, and requested her statement as part of the ongoing investigation.
At present, police officials have stated that inquiries are continuing and that all aspects of the complaint will be examined before any conclusions are reached.