Nashik IT Firm Sexual Harassment Probe: SIT Investigates Multiple Complaints
A special investigation team (SIT) in Nashik has launched a comprehensive probe into a series of sexual harassment cases at a multinational IT company operating in the city. The investigation follows formal complaints lodged by eight women employees who alleged sustained mental and sexual harassment over several years.
Arrests Made and Ministerial Statements
Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including an assistant general manager from the human resources department. Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan addressed reporters, suggesting the investigation might reveal a broader pattern of misconduct. "Some senior employees, including women, did not take any action despite complaints. A case has been filed against them. The inquiry is underway. I think the involvement of some more people will also come to light," Mahajan stated.
The minister made serious allegations that victims were forced to offer namaz, consume beef, and faced attempts at religious conversion. He further speculated that the women might have been targeted by an organized racket that lures girls with job promises before blackmailing them using photographs and videos.
Legal Proceedings and Police Actions
The arrested HR official faces charges of abetting sexual harassment by allegedly ignoring a complaint filed by a woman employee against her colleagues. The court has remanded the HR manager to police custody until April 13, while six other accused individuals have been sent to 14-day judicial custody.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, who leads the SIT, indicated that more arrests and custodial actions are anticipated. "We will seek the court's production warrant to secure custody of these five accused and arrest them in the other cases," Mitke explained. "We are also searching for one more suspect whose whereabouts remain unknown at this time."
Multiple FIRs and Serious Allegations
Police have registered nine First Information Reports since March 26, encompassing various charges including sexual harassment, breach of promise to marry, and allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The incidents reportedly occurred between 2022 and 2026.
In one particularly concerning case, investigators allege that the HR official deliberately ignored a sexual harassment complaint, thereby enabling accused employees to continue their predatory behavior. Assistant public prosecutor Aniket Avhad emphasized, "Had this HR official taken note of the complaint, the other crimes would not have taken place. The ignorance of the HR official only encouraged the accused to indulge in sexual harassment of the victims."
Defense lawyer Baba Sayyad contested the need for further custodial remand, arguing that police had failed to recover any material evidence from the accused individuals.
PoSH Act Compliance Under Scrutiny
District collector Ayush Prasad has ordered a thorough investigation into the company's compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act. "The inquiry by the police and the district-level committee will determine if the IT company has been taking necessary steps, including proper registration of complaints and maintaining proactive vigilance as mandated by the PoSH Act," Prasad stated.
Officials confirmed that the district-level committee will examine whether the Internal Committee required under the PoSH Act existed at the company and whether it functioned effectively to address harassment complaints.
Political Response and Ongoing Investigation
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised police actions in the case, expressing shock at the allegations. "The way sexual exploitation was carried out and religious sentiments were hurt at an IT firm using pressure is shocking. I would like to congratulate the police for acting swiftly and exposing the matter," Fadnavis remarked.
The SIT continues to investigate all nine cases registered against employees of the firm, which employs approximately 300 people at its Nashik facility. Authorities suspect this may not represent an isolated incident but could reflect a larger trend within major corporate environments requiring systemic attention and reform.
