TCS shares update on Nashik office case: Says Nida Khan ‘not an HR’, forms oversight panel, calls in Deloitte

Tata Consultancy Services has issued a detailed statement regarding the ongoing issue at its Nashik unit; announced a structured internal investigation, an independent audit committee and clarification on the role of a key employee named in police complaints even as officers searched for a fugitive accused in Thane.

TCS Says Nida Khan Is ‘Not HR Manager’, Clarifies Her Role

TCS took action to correct the record of one of the employees named in the case. The company said that Nida Khan, who was repeatedly described in media reports as the HR manager at the company, did not hold such a title.

“Ms. Nida Khan, who has been repeatedly mentioned in the press as the HR manager of TCS, is neither the HR manager nor responsible for recruitment. She served as a process partner and did not assume any leadership responsibilities,” the company said.

TCS Appoints Keki Mistry as Chairman of Oversight Committee

TCS Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer K Krithivasan outlined the three-part corporate response to the issue. An internal investigation is being led by TCS President and Chief Operating Officer Aarthi Subramanian. Deloitte and law firm Trilegal were appointed as independent advisors to assist with the investigation.

An oversight committee, chaired by Keki Mistry, a financial industry veteran and independent director on the TCS board, has also been constituted to review the findings and implement subsequent recommendations.

“The findings of the internal investigation will be presented to the Oversight committee for review and implementation of any recommendations,” the company said.

TCS Says No Complaint Made Through Internal Channels

TCS said a preliminary review of its internal records found no complaints about the alleged misconduct through official reporting mechanisms.

“Preliminary review of systems and records for the Nashik unit indicates that we have not received any complaints of the alleged nature on our ethics or POSH channels,” the company said, citing the Sexual Harassment Prevention framework. he said.

The company noted that detailed investigations are ongoing and preliminary findings are subject to further review.

TCS Says Nashik Unit Remains Open, Dismisses Reports of Closure

TCS also addressed reports that its Nashik facility had ceased operations. “Our unit in Nashik continues to operate and serve our customers. Media reports regarding the closure of the unit are absolutely false,” the statement said.

Police Chasing Fugitive ‘HR Woman’ Accused in Mumbra, Thane

Separately, a Nashik Crime Branch team went to Mumbra in Thane district on Friday to locate a woman accused in the case involving allegations of conversion and sexual harassment in the Nashik unit.

The accused is believed to have shifted base to Mumbra about two months ago. Officers questioned her husband at his home, and he told police he had gone to a relative’s house. When investigators reached this address, it was found locked. The mobile phones of both the suspect and his relative were turned off.

“The investigation team is following certain leads in Mumbra. We have information that the accused has changed his base to evade arrest,” a police officer said.

TCS Reaffirms Zero Tolerance Policy

TCS said it will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement. “TCS embraces the highest standards of employee welfare and corporate conduct. We remain fully committed to the safety, dignity and well-being of every employee,” he said.

The company added that it has a “zero tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or abuse” and remains “focused on supporting employees and providing a safe and respectful workplace at all locations.”

After the scandal came to light last week, the Nashik police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate complaints filed by eight women employees in the IT department who alleged that their senior colleagues were mentally and sexually harassing them; The human resources department ignored their complaints.

There were also allegations of forced conversion at the TCS facility.

Police have so far arrested eight TCS employees, including seven men and the female operations manager in the unit. Another woman employee is also absconding and the Nashik police team is in Mumbra to search for her.

Nashik police have formed three teams to trace the absconding woman. These teams have been deployed to various places and one has landed in Mumbra, officials said.

The SIT is investigating a total of nine cases registered in connection with abuse, attempted forced conversion, hurting religious sentiments, harassment and mental harassment against women employees in the TCS unit.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran described the sexual harassment as “extremely alarming and distressing” and announced that a comprehensive internal investigation was underway to establish the facts and identify those responsible for the situation.