Vijaya Rahatkar, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), visited Nashik on Wednesday to meet with Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik and investigation teams. The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress in the astrologer Ashok Kharat case and multiple complaints linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Review of TCS-Related Allegations
Rahatkar informed reporters that the NCW committee, which spent two days in Nashik last month investigating allegations of sexual harassment and religious coercion at TCS, submitted its findings on Tuesday. The four-member panel interacted with company representatives, police officers, and other stakeholders during its visit. She stated that the commission's fact-finding report would be reviewed over the next two to three days before being submitted to the state government and other authorities for necessary action.
Police Cases Filed
The police have registered nine cases in the city against eight accused, mostly in senior roles at TCS such as team leaders, based on complaints of sexual harassment and religious coercion. Rahatkar, who was in Nashik to attend a religious event at the Kalaram temple, used the opportunity to meet investigators and take stock of both cases. After the meeting, she expressed confidence in the police's active investigation and urged patience to allow them to complete their work.
Reaction to Pune Incident
Addressing another pressing issue, Rahatkar termed the recent rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Pune as "extremely unfortunate and shocking." She noted that the Chief Minister has assured a fast-track court hearing for the case. "The NCW has written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, appealing to it to pay close attention to the matter and ensure that the case goes to a fast-track court, and the criminal receives capital punishment," said Rahatkar.
Call for Societal Introspection
Rahatkar also stressed the need for broader societal introspection, stating that incidents of such nature indicate a worrying shift in mindset. On the issue of not releasing convicts with a history of sexual assaults on parole, she remarked, "The NCW will surely take a stand on this. I personally feel that people with such histories should not be let out on parole. I believe that even the state government is working on this issue."
