Nashik IT firm sexual harassment case: 6 employees suspended; hunt on for 8th accused

NASHIK: The Nashik city police continue to search for an eighth suspect, a woman, who was named in nine complaints filed by employees of an IT company with the Deolali Camp and Mumbai Naka police stations.The company has already suspended six employees who were arrested by the police, it said in a communication on Sunday.According to the Nashik city police, the eighth woman, who is also accused in a case of sexual exploitation and hurting religious sentiments of the complainants, remains at large and the police are tracking her based on clues they received."We have formed two teams that are tracking her. The woman is currently evading arrest, but we are close," said a police officer, requesting anonymity.The police have arrested six men and one woman, the AGM (HR) of the company, based on the complaints. The city police formed an SIT that will be seeking the arrest of the accused in the next three cases.The company issued a communication saying, "The company has a long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form. We have always ensured the highest standards of safety and wellbeing of our employees at the workplace."The communication added, "As soon as we were made aware of the matter in Nashik, we took swift action. The employees being investigated have been suspended pending inquiry. We are cooperating with the local law enforcement authorities, and any further action will be based on the conclusion of this investigation."There were also reports that the company was closing its Nashik office and relocating employees to other branches. While the company provided no clarity on this issue, either at Nashik or in its communication, the police stated that it was the company's internal matter."Our role is limited to investigation and trials, and there is no reason for sealing or closing the company from our side. We are not aware of the company's plans," the officer added.(With inputs from Shashank Didmishe)