Nashik IT company faces sexual harassment charges, six team leaders arrested. HR said ‘it’s common in MNCs’
Complaints reveal pattern across workplace
Police said the company employs about 300 people and most of the people arrested held team leader positions. Eight of the nine cases registered were filed by female employees for sexual offenses and inappropriate remarks linked to religion. The ninth complaint came from a male employee for similar allegations of hurting religious sentiments.
The complaints cover incidents reported over the past four years and point to a broader pattern within the workplace rather than isolated incidents.
HR under scanner, no arrests yet
The company’s internal response is also under review, investigators said. Nashik Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Mitke told TOI, “In one of these cases, an HR official of an IT company was named as a suspect as the complainant stated that she had sent him an email and reported workplace harassment by the team leaders in question but the HR official advised him to ‘keep cool as some gestures are common in MNCs’. The HR official has not been arrested so far.”
Details of rape case trigger wider investigation
In one of the most serious allegations, the complainant told the police that a colleague had forced her into physical sex after promising marriage, even though she was married. She alleged that she was constantly sexually abused at a place on Trimbak Road.
The complaint also alleged that another co-worker of the defendant harassed her in the office building, including the lobby and pantry, and made statements referencing her relationship with the primary defendant.
SIT steps in as more women come forward
The first case involving rape allegations was registered at Devlali police station on March 26, police said. The remaining complaints were then submitted to Mumbai Naka police station in a phased manner. “We are seriously pursuing the alleged sexual crimes against these women. As a part of this, we have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under an ACP rank officer to investigate all these cases,” Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik told TOI.
“Women who face sexual harassment at workplace in any establishment in the city should approach Nashik city police without fear. Strict action will be taken against the culprits.”
SIT chairman ACP Mitke said: “The complainant in the rape case told the police that other female employees were subjected to sexual and mental harassment and comments were made hurting their religious sentiments, following which the police contacted these women and advised them to register their complaints.”
The main accused in the rape case was sent to Nashik Road Central Jail under judicial custody after interrogation, police said. The other five employees arrested will remain in police custody until April 10.
The company has not responded so far despite queries sent by TOI.
(Source: TOI)
