'I slowly started believing': Victim details alleged conversion push in TCS case chargesheet

NEW DELHI: A victim at the centre of the alleged sexual harassment and forcible conversion case involving Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) Nashik unit told police she was gradually convinced that accepting Islam would reduce her mental stress, according to a chargesheet filed in the case.

"I was convinced that if I accepted the Islamic religion, my mental stress would decrease. I slowly started believing in those things," the woman said in a statement that forms part of the chargesheet submitted in a Nashik court last week, PTI reported.

According to the chargesheet, the woman alleged that one of the accused repeatedly told her that her anxiety and stress would reduce if she stopped listening to devotional songs associated with her faith, avoided visiting temples and instead followed Islamic religious practices.

She told police she was encouraged to recite Islamic prayers and religious phrases and was told that doing so would help reduce her stress. The accused allegedly assured her that taking Allah's name would lead to forgiveness of sins and improve her mental well-being.

The victim also alleged that she was directed to watch videos and speeches of Pakistani Islamic cleric Tariq Jamil and controversial Indian preacher Zakir Naik to learn more about Islam. She said two other accused would regularly share information about the religion and encourage her to watch religious content online.

According to her statement, she was introduced to various aspects of Islamic theology, including stories associated with Prophet Ibrahim, Bakri Eid, Zamzam water, Qurbani and the concepts of Jannah (heaven) and Jahannum (hell).

The woman further alleged that one of the accused, who was married, sexually exploited her on the promise of marriage. She also claimed that the accused had access to details of her bank accounts, including her UPI PIN and information about her finances.

The chargesheet pertains to a case registered at Deolali Camp police station on the basis of a complaint filed by a 23-year-old employee of the IT company.

According to PTI, the chargesheet contains statements from 106 witnesses, including the complainant, her mother, TCS employees and management officials, members of the company's Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committee and investigating officers.

The Maharashtra government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after multiple women employees at the Nashik unit alleged exploitation, attempts at forcible religious conversion, molestation, mental harassment and offences linked to religious sentiments.

One case has been registered at Deolali Camp police station, while eight FIRs have been filed at Mumbai Naka police station in Nashik.

Some complainants have also alleged that they were pressured to adopt religious practices, including offering prayers, changing dietary habits and using religious symbols.

TCS has said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion and has suspended employees allegedly involved in the incidents.

(With inputs from PTI)