A fresh twist has emerged in the widening TCS Nashik workplace harassment controversy, with a male employee alleging that four co-workers subjected him to repeated religious coercion and even humiliation.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint, the 35-year-old employee told police that the accused consistently targeted him and hurt his religious sentiments. He alleged they pressured him to "read their holy book, wear religious headgear and consume non-vegetarian food despite his objections."
The complainant further claimed he was taken to different places, including hotels, in two separate cars, where he was served ‘shir khurma’. Soon after consuming it, he allegedly began feeling dizzy.
Video Circulation and Remarks
He also alleged that the accused filmed him wearing the religious headgear and later circulated the video on a social media group. In his statement, the employee said the accused frequently made disparaging remarks about his faith. He further alleged they passed lewd comments about women colleagues and also made "sexually coloured remarks about his wife."
Investigation and Court Proceedings
The case is one among multiple sexual offence and religious coercion complaints currently being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Nashik police. Police told the court they need to verify the complainant’s claims by visiting the locations mentioned in the complaint, recovering the two cars allegedly used, examining digital evidence and tracing a mobile phone linked to one of the accused.
Defence lawyers opposed the demand for extended custody, arguing that vehicle seizure and phone analysis did not require custodial interrogation. The court granted police custody of the four accused till April 29 as the probe continues.
