The Special Investigating Team (SIT) probing the harassment case at the TCS Nashik branch has revealed that the HR Manager and Assistant General Manager (AGM) allegedly ignored over 70 complaints from victims without escalating them to senior management.
The police identified HR Manager Nida Khan as the alleged ‘mastermind’ who attempted to suppress the complaints and protect the accused individuals. Evidence including around 78 suspicious call records, emails, and chat exchanges between the accused has been recovered, with indications of possible financial transactions.
The HR manager is reported to have repeatedly instructed victims to drop their complaints and failed to take any effective action despite being a member of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee at the office. Meanwhile, police sources stated that the AGM maintained contact with accused Danish Shaikh even after a case was registered, including making a call to Shaikh prior to his arrest.
The SIT, examining the call and email records, is investigating a possible collusion among the accused. Nine cases have been registered related to this matter, one at Deolali Camp police station and eight at Mumbai Naka. Complaints have been filed by nine individuals, including one man, citing harassment, torture, and forced religious conversion.
On April 13, the court remanded the operations manager to further police custody. The prime accused, Danish Shaikh, along with Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Raza Memon, Tausif Attar, and Shahrukh Qureshi, are currently held in Nashik Road Jail.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has initiated an internal investigation, describing the allegations as “gravely concerning and anguishing.” In a statement, Chandrasekaran said the matter is being treated with “utmost seriousness,” and action has been taken against the employees involved. The company is providing full cooperation to the ongoing investigations.
“The Tata Group maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct by its employees,” the statement added, noting that a thorough probe is underway to establish facts and identify those responsible.
The police investigation has involved reviewing over 40 CCTV footages and recording statements from victims and accused. An undercover operation involving female police officers was conducted to arrest one of the accused.
Preliminary findings indicate the incidents occurred between 2022 and 2026. The investigation continues with officials stating that all aspects are being examined before drawing final conclusions.