A former employee of a technology firm in Pune has alleged religious harassment, workplace discrimination, and forced resignation, leading to a complaint with the Hinjawadi Police and a legal notice to the company. The allegations were made during a press conference organized by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, where the woman detailed incidents she claims occurred while working at the company’s Hinjawadi office.
Allegations of Conversion Pressure
According to the complainant, a female colleague repeatedly pressured her to convert to Islam and enter a relationship with a Muslim man. The colleague allegedly made persistent remarks about her personal life and encouraged her to abandon her Hindu faith, suggesting it would lead to a better lifestyle and opportunities abroad. The former employee stated that she objected to these comments and subsequently limited her interactions to official work-related communication.
“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,” the complainant alleged.
She further added, “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.”
Internal Complaint and Forced Resignation
The complainant claimed she escalated the matter to senior company officials, but no action was taken. Instead, a complaint was filed against her before the company’s internal Ombuds Committee. She also alleged irregularities in the internal inquiry process, stating that despite submitting evidence, her version was not properly considered. In August 2025, she was called to a Teams meeting with company representatives and pressured to resign, which she alleges was obtained under duress without a fair opportunity to present her case.
Advocate Vivek Bhosale, representing the former employee, said the resignation violated principles of natural justice and labour law. A legal notice has been issued to the company seeking reinstatement, continuity of service, withdrawal of the resignation, and Rs 50 lakh in compensation for alleged mental trauma and reputational damage.
Demand for Investigation
Representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, including Sunil Ghanwat, called for a detailed investigation and urged the Maharashtra government to examine the matter. They highlighted concerns about workplace safety, religious freedom, and grievance redressal mechanisms in corporate settings. Sunil Ghanwat, Coordinator for the Samiti in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, stated: “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.”
Police Response
Police in Hinjawadi have confirmed receipt of the complaint and said an investigation is underway. Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare said: “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.”
