Rohan Umak
TCS Nashik row: Fresh revelations have been emerging everyday in the alleged forced religious conversion and sexual harassment case at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The latest development reported on Sunday revealed that the accused stalked and targeted survivors, as well as other female employees on social media platforms. The police pointed towards the development during its probe.
As per police, the accused harassed the victims via platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, where they were sent messages, containing obscene comments and objectionable videos.
Seven fall in police dragnet, one still on the run
The police said that so far, they have collared seven accused involved in the case, while one of them, identified as Nida Khan is still on the lam. The police officials heading the probe said they are analysing digital communications recovered from the possession of the accused to establish the extent of harassment and any coordinated efforts behind the acts.
Meanwhile, the cops are also examining whether other women employees attached to the organisation fell prey to similar misconduct, which is being viewed as a specific religious motive.
TCS Nashik row: Cell phone, social media accounts under forensic analysis
The investigating police personnel reported that crucial leads pertaining to the case lie in electronic evidence. They added that the cell phones and social media accounts of the accused have been subjected to forensic examinations, and technical experts are attempting to retrieve deleted chats, media files and other data.
NHRC seeks reports over the issue
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken cognisance of the incident, and has issued notices to both the company officials and the authorities of Maharashtra. It has directed senior cops of the state and Nashik to carry out a thorough probe and submit a detailed ‘Action Taken Report.’ Additionally, it has asked the TCS CEO to provide comprehensive information regarding the company’s internal Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committee, including the details of its functioning over the past three years and the records of the complaints received.
Maharashtra’s Labour Commissioner has also been directed to furnish details of all offices, BPOs and subsidiary entities belonging to TCS in the country, along with their registration and licensing records.
