Rights body report on TCS unit denies religious coercion

Mumbai: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on Thursday released a report on the Nashik TCS case, stating that evidentiary support on allegations of workplace misconduct including sexual harassment, remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.

An APCR fact-finding team has said that while certain allegations in the FIRs pertain to hurting religious beliefs, the material available does not "demonstrate the existence of any organised or systematic activity of religious conversion.'' The case has attracted national attention for the allegations of sexual harassment, rape and hurting religious sentiment made at the Nashik facility of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).




"A comparison between the contents of the FIR and the broader public narrative suggests a divergence between verified allegations and interpretations circulating in sections of the media and social platforms,'' said the report, adding need for caution in relying on unverified claims.

"Statements of relatives of the accused and their legal representatives reflect a complete denial of allegations and assert wrongful implication. These competing versions require adjudication based on evidence,'' it said.

Journalist and activist Niranjan Takle, who addressed the press conference, said the police had deployed its officers undercover as housekeeping staff in the TCS office for three weeks. "Yet they were unable to ascertain Nida Khan's (main accused) position in the company," he said. Takle said some news reports claimed she held a Human Resources (HR) or managerial position, but TCS has clarified that this was not the case, and that she was employed in a non-supervisory role. According to the FIR, Khan allegedly advised women employees to dress and behave in accordance with Islamic traditions. Some victims also alleged that they were coerced into adopting religious symbols and changing their dietary habits.

Nadeem Khan, national secretary, APCR, said, "How can someone be forced to keep Roza?" If the state is serious, the investigation should be conducted by a retired judge and not the police.'' Dolphy D'souza from the Bombay Catholic Sabha said, "The Nashik case is a manufactured case that will not hold in a court of law. The process is the punishment." "A crime should never be seen through the lens of religion or caste. It is important to note that Nida Khan is being targeted because of her gender," said Teesta Setalvad, secretary of Citizens for Justice and Peace.
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