The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday (May 11, 2026) slammed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for its alleged non-compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, noting that there was rampant harassment, religious vilification, systemic bullying and intimidation and coercion by toxic authorities in Nashik.
Many victims who wanted to complain were unable to do so due to the “total absence of any formal complaint mechanism and a credible environment”, the NCW investigative committee said, adding that Gen Z employees were more susceptible to anti-religious discourse.
Nine FIRs have so far been registered in TCS Nashik in cases of alleged rape, sexual harassment and forcible conversions, with the police arresting nine accused.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the NCW submitted a 50-page report containing 25 recommendations to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday (May 8).
“An inquiry committee comprising Justice Sadhna Jadhav (Retired Judge, Bombay High Court), Shri BK Sinha (Former DGP, Haryana), Advocate Monika Arora (Supreme Court) and Ms. Lilabati (Chief Coordinator, NCW) has been constituted. The committee visited Nashik on April 19, POSH 206 and victim TCS Internal Committee (IC) members, police officers and other key witnesses Based on the investigation, the committee prepared a detailed report,” the NCW said in a statement.
Key insights
NCW found that the workplace was a deeply disturbing and toxic environment marked by pervasive sexual harassment and abuse of authority. “The accused persons took effective control of TCS, Nashik. They targeted young and vulnerable women and harassed them sexually, emotionally and mentally. The complainants were indeed sexually harassed and faced attempted harassment,” the report said.
The commission of inquiry also alleged that the accused indulged in “humiliating and belittling the faith of Hinduism and created an oppressive atmosphere by making repeated anti-religious comments directed at female employees”.
It claimed there was systemic bullying, harassment and degrading behavior through actions, comments and patterns of behavior that left female employees feeling humiliated.
The Committee noted that the victims were frightened because there was “significant social pressure, fear of exposing their families to social stigma and above all the complete absence of any formal complaint mechanism and trust environment”.
Accusing the arrested accused of checking the Nashik office, the NCW said in its report that Danish Sheikh, Tausif Akhtar and Raza Memon were allegedly protected by Ashwini Chainani, HR head and operations manager of the company. “No employee had the courage to raise their voice and those who did faced the fear of professional consequences, including transfer and termination of employment. Accused Ashwini Chainani, by her silence and insensitivity, supported the actions of the accused,” the report said.
Key recommendations
The commission’s key recommendations include measures in case of non-compliance with POSH, effective human resources and complaint handling systems, protection of complainants’ work, regular monitoring of workplace safety and witness protection.
The NCW also recommended additional charges under Sections 75, 78, 79 and 299, also Section 68 letter a) BNS for abuse of authority for sexual purposes.
Meanwhile, Nida Khan, one of the accused, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody till May 24. She was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday (May 7).
Published – 11 May 2026 21:58 IST
