TCS Nashik case: NCW flags ‘toxic work culture’, ‘zero POSH compliance’

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday (May 11, 2026) slammed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for alleged non-compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and observed that a toxic leadership in its Nashik office was engaging in widespread harassment, religious disparagement, systemic bullying and fear and oppression.

The NCW’s fact-finding committee noted that many victims who wanted to file complaints were unable to do so due to “the complete absence of any formal complaint mechanism and a trustworthy environment,” adding that Generation Z employees were more susceptible to anti-religious rhetoric.

Nine FIRs have been registered at TCS Nashik so far regarding allegations of rape, sexual harassment and forced conversion, and police have arrested nine accused.

NCW, which has been following the issue closely, submitted a 50-page report with 25 recommendations to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, May 8.

“A Fact-Finding Committee was constituted comprising Justice Sadhna Jadhav (retired Judge, Bombay High Court), Shri BK Sinha (former DGP, Haryana), advocate Monika Arora (Supreme Court) and Ms. Lilabati (senior coordinator, NCW). The Committee visited Nashik on 18 and 19 April 2026 and interacted with the victims and members of the Internal Committee (IC) of POSH. What NCW did TCS, police officers and other key witnesses have prepared a detailed report based on the investigation, the statement said.

Key observations

NCW observed a highly disruptive and toxic workplace environment marked by widespread workplace sexual harassment and abuse of authority. “The accused had assumed effective control of TCS, Nashik. They were targeting young and vulnerable women and harassing them sexually, emotionally and mentally. The complainants were indeed sexually harassed and faced harassment attempts,” the report said.

The fact-finding committee also alleged that the accused “degraded and belittled the faith of Hinduism and created a coercive atmosphere through repeated anti-religious comments towards female employees.”

It alleged that systemic bullying, stalking and degrading behavior existed through actions, comments and patterns of behavior that left female employees feeling humiliated.

The committee observed that victims were frightened by “significant social pressure, fear of exposing their families to social stigma and, above all, the complete absence of any formal complaint mechanism and trustworthy environment.”

Accusing the arrested accused of controlling the Nashik office, NCW in its report said that the Sheikh of Denmark, Tausif Akhtar and Raza Memon were allegedly protected by the company’s HR head and operations manager Ashwini Chainani. “No employee had the courage to speak out, and those who did so faced fear of professional repercussions, including transfer and dismissal. The accused Ashwini Chainani, by her silence and insensitivity, sanctioned the defendant’s actions,” the report said.

Basic recommendations

The commission’s key recommendations include action for non-compliance with POSH, effective HR and grievance redressal systems, job protection for complainants, regular monitoring of workplace safety and witness protection.

The NCW also recommended additional charges under Articles 75, 78, 79 and 299 of the BNS, as well as Article 68(a), for abuse of power for sexual purposes.

Meanwhile, one of the defendants, Nida Khan, was sent to judicial custody for 14 days until May 24. He was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday, May 7.