Kolkata, 17 April (H.S.) : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the ongoing investigation into the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) case in Nashik has found allegations related to sexual harassment and religious coercion to be extremely serious. He said preliminary findings indicate that the incidents were not isolated, but were being carried out through an organised network.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Kolkata for election campaigning, Fadnavis said the state government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and strict action was being taken against those responsible.

He said, “This is a very serious matter and we are taking extremely tough measures. It has come to our notice that all this was being carried out under an organised system. Fortunately, a company like Tata Consultancy Services has played an important role in the investigation. The company will not attempt to shield any guilty person.”

The Chief Minister said the company management had strongly condemned the actions of the accused employees and was fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the victims.

He added that the company’s refusal to protect the accused was an important example of corporate accountability in the state.

According to Fadnavis, Nashik Police is examining CCTV footage and digital communication records to determine how many more people may have been involved in the alleged network. Security measures and monitoring have also been intensified at major information technology hubs in the state to ensure workplace safety.

The investigation has further revealed that employees were allegedly pressured to consume a particular type of food and participate in religious activities against their will.

Police have so far arrested several individuals, including senior employees and a human resources officer, who are accused of ignoring internal complaints.

A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to probe the organised nature of the case.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh