A major workplace misconduct scandal has surfaced in Maharashtra’s Nashik, where six individuals, including a team leader, have been arrested following serious allegations of sexual harassment and coercion made by women employees at a multinational IT company.
The accused targeted Hindu employees in the company, sexually harassed them and coerced them into converting to Islam.
According to the police, the incidents span a period of nearly four years, pointing to a prolonged pattern of abuse within the organisation. Authorities have registered nine separate cases against the accused, invoking charges related to sexual harassment, molestation, and hurting religious sentiments.
Among those arrested are Asif Ansari, Shafi Sheikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, and Tausif Attar, who have been accused of harassing, sexually assaulting, and blackmailing female colleagues. The seventh accused is a woman who served as the company’s HR representative, based out of Pune. Police say the accused operated within the workplace environment, misusing positions of influence to target employees systematically.
Asif Ansari, Shafi Sheikh, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon and Tausif Attar have been arrested for harassing, sexually assaulting and blackmailing female colleagues at a reputed multinational IT company in Nashik.
— Trupti Garg (@garg_trupti) April 9, 2026
A total of 8 complaints have been filed by female employees along… pic.twitter.com/zkdo9EaAim
Investigators revealed that one of the accused maintained a physical relationship with a woman employee under the false promise of marriage, an act that now forms a key part of the criminal charges.
In another instance, an accused reportedly touched a female employee inappropriately and made derogatory remarks about her personal and marital life. The police further stated that obscene comments about women’s physical appearance were routinely made, contributing to a hostile and degrading work environment.
In a particularly serious allegation, the complainant claimed that despite repeatedly raising verbal complaints with the company’s senior management, no action was taken. Instead, the official ignored the complaints, effectively enabling the accused to continue their behaviour unchecked. Police have indicated that this aspect, possible institutional complicity or negligence, will also be examined during the investigation.
The case also includes allegations of religious coercion. Police stated that one male employee was allegedly forced to perform Namaz and subjected to insults targeting his religious beliefs, adding another layer of gravity to the matter.
Five of the accused were arrested on Tuesday and produced before a local court, which remanded them to police custody until April 10. Another accused is currently in judicial custody.
To ensure a thorough probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, following directions from Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik. The SIT is expected to investigate not only the individual complaints but also examine whether a broader pattern or network of abuse existed within the organisation.
