TCS Nashik case: Fact-finding committee concludes 2-day visit; what we know so far

NASHIK: A four-member fact-finding committee of the National Commission for Women on Sunday concluded its two-day visit to Nashik to probe a series of alleged sexual harassment, rape and hurting religious sentiment cases at the Nashik facility of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).During the visit, the committee met senior officials of TCS's Nashik office, police commissioner Sandeep Karnik, and the complainants, and reviewed details of nine cases registered by the police."The committee has gathered all information related to the nine cases. The members interacted with the police and TCS officials as well as the complainants. I met the committee members today (Sunday) for discussions and sought guidance. All necessary compliances have been completed by us," Karnik told TOI.The cases, registered between March 26 and the first week of April, include allegations of sexual harassment, rape and hurting religious sentiments at TCS's Nashik BPO unit. The incidents triggered nationwide concern, following which the Nashik police arrested seven company employees, including a senior officer holding the rank of assistant general manager (AGM).In view of serious media reports and the gravity of the allegations — including claims of forced religious conversion of female employees by individuals in supervisory roles — the NCW took suo motu cognisance of the matter. Exercising powers under section 8 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the commission constituted a fact-finding committee to conduct a detailed inquiry.The committee comprises Justice (retired) Sadhna Jadhav of the Bombay high court, former Haryana director general of police B K Sinha, Supreme Court advocate Monica Arora, and Lilabati, a senior coordinator of the NCW. The members arrived in Nashik on Friday and undertook on-the-spot inspections on Saturday and Sunday.As part of its mandate, the committee conducted inquiries at the TCS facility and other relevant locations, examined the circumstances leading to the alleged incidents, assessed the response of authorities, and interacted with complainants, police officials, company representatives and other stakeholders to identify possible lapses.The committee has also been tasked with recommending action against those found responsible and suggesting remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and strengthen workplace safety mechanisms for women. It has been directed to submit its report to the commission within 10 working days.