A significant case of workplace abuse has been uncovered in Nashik, Maharashtra, involving female employees of a multinational company who have made allegations of sexual and psychological harassment, as well as coercion, against their colleagues and senior staff over an extended period. Police have arrested six individuals as part of an ongoing investigation.
Authorities have stated that nine FIRs have been filed at two police stations – eight at Mumbai Naka and one at Deolali – based on complaints from employees, most of whom are aged between 18 and 25.
The accused individuals, including Asif Ansari, Shafi Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, and Tausif Attar, held various positions such as team leaders and engineers within the company. The complaints detail a pattern of misconduct over two to three years, encompassing physical harassment, inappropriate comments about appearance, molestation, and mental harassment.
One allegation involves rape, with investigators suggesting that the accused enticed the victim into a relationship. Furthermore, complainants have claimed that their religious beliefs were offended by remarks and actions in the workplace, with assertions of coercion related to religious practices, such as pressure to adhere to specific rituals.
In a related claim, a male employee stated that he was coerced into conversion, compelled to participate in religious ceremonies, and pressured to consume non-vegetarian food. Employees reported that they had previously raised concerns internally with the company’s HR department but no effective action was taken.
A case has also been filed against a female HR official associated with the company’s Pune office. Due to the gravity of the allegations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police has been formed, consisting of approximately 12 officers who are analyzing technical evidence, call records, and witness statements.
The registered cases include allegations of rape, multiple instances of molestation, and charges related to outraging modesty and offending religious sentiments. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with strict confidentiality to safeguard the victims’ identities, with the likelihood of additional arrests as the inquiry advances.
Meanwhile, advocate Baba Syed, representing the accused, has suggested that the allegations may arise from misunderstandings in a shared office environment, indicating that a clearer picture will emerge once the FIRs are thoroughly examined.