A former employee of a technology company in Pune has lodged a complaint alleging religious harassment, workplace discrimination, and compelled resignation, leading to a police investigation and a legal notice served on the firm.
The allegations were presented at a press conference held by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti representatives, where the woman recounted incidents that reportedly occurred during her tenure at the company’s Hinjawadi office.
According to the complainant, a female colleague repeatedly pressured her to convert to Islam and enter into a relationship with a Muslim individual. She stated that the colleague encouraged her to leave her Hindu faith, suggesting that conversion would provide better lifestyle opportunities abroad.
The former employee said she objected to these suggestions and limited interactions with the colleague to official communications.
She stated: “The way these people trap women, Hindu women, and then force them, compel them, to either follow their ways or leave their jobs. Due to this forced situation, I had to hold this press conference. I have endured harassment and torture for 10 months. I had to bring this forward, and I also want to create awareness that if women are Hindu, we should at least take some steps for their protection. And this undercover process of religious conversion, the highlights of which we never get to know. We think we are just having a casual talk, while they are trying to trap you and make you accept conversion to Islam. When we talk to the company about these things, the company says these things don’t happen in our company, and it’s covered up.”
The complainant reported the issue to senior company officials but alleged no action was taken. Instead, she claimed a complaint was filed against her with the company’s internal Ombuds Committee.
She further accused the inquiry process of irregularities, stating that despite submitting evidence and raising concerns, her account was disregarded.
In a separate allegation, the former employee stated that in August 2025 she was summoned to a Teams meeting with company representatives and was pressured into submitting her resignation without a fair opportunity to defend herself.
Her legal representative, Advocate Vivek Bhosale, asserted that the resignation violated principles of natural justice and labour laws. He confirmed a legal notice has been issued demanding her reinstatement with continuity of service, withdrawal of the resignation, and compensation of Rs 50 lakh for mental trauma and reputational damage.
Sunil Ghanwat, Coordinator for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, who accompanied the former employee at the press conference, called for a thorough investigation and urged the Maharashtra government to examine the matter. He highlighted concerns related to workplace safety, religious freedom, and grievance redressal mechanisms within corporate settings.
Ghanwat said: “A significant press conference was held at the Pune Press Club today regarding ‘Corporate Jihad’ currently going on in Pune’s IT industry. A victim approached the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and shared how she is being harassed. Her colleague told her to accept Islam and compelled her to have physical relations. She has been harassed several times. Our demand is that… it needs to be investigated. The victim needs justice. She was forced out of her job 8-10 months ago, and her harassment wasn’t investigated.”
Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjawadi Police Station confirmed receipt of the complaint and said an investigation has been initiated. He stated: “She has complained that her former female boss used some objectionable words against her. After receiving the complaint, we have started the investigation into it. The female boss, currently posted in Bangalore, has been asked to record her statement to help in the investigation.”