Authorities in Nashik, Maharashtra, have uncovered claims of sexual harassment and attempts at religious conversion within the BPO division of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a major Indian technology company. Reports indicate that six Muslim team leaders and two female employees allegedly pressured Hindu women to adopt Islam, participate in prayers, and consume beef. This situation reportedly persisted for more than four years at the TCS site in Nashik.
Several police reports, filed at Mumbai Naka Police Station and obtained by OpIndia, describe a systematic approach where the accused used their positions to sexually harass and manipulate Hindu female staff, aiming to convert them to Islam while discouraging complaints.
The individuals named in the complaints—Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Meman, Asif Ansari, Tausif Attar, and Shafi Sheikh—worked in the ODC-02 unit managing credit card collections for Axis Bank through phone calls. The reports stem from statements by three Hindu women: two 23-year-old associates and a 36-year-old team leader.
The complaints detail ongoing sexual harassment, inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, intrusive personal questions, and insults directed at Hindu gods and customs, with the apparent objective of promoting Islamic superiority and encouraging conversion.
In one report (FIR 164/2026), filed on April 2, 2026, by the 36-year-old team leader with 11 years at TCS, she accused Shafi Sheikh of misconduct starting in 2022, such as staring at her inappropriately during meetings. Despite reporting to superiors like Senior Manager Nitin Kapoor and Team Leader Deepak Singh, only a transfer occurred, and the behavior continued. She also noted similar complaints from other women that were not addressed.
Additionally, after her miscarriage in early 2026, Tausif Attar allegedly made repeated suggestions that she consult a religious figure in Ajmer for assured fertility, which she viewed as an invasion of her privacy and an effort to introduce Islamic practices.
Another report (FIR 171/2026), submitted by a 23-year-old associate, targeted Raza Meman and Shahrukh Qureshi. She described being summoned to their desks under work pretenses, only to face questions about her personal relationships and body-shaming remarks, including advice to exercise. In one incident, Raza reportedly said to Qureshi, ‘Prepare her for you,’ suggesting grooming intentions. On Gudi Padwa, March 19, 2026, Raza allegedly mocked her traditional attire and questioned her religious observance.
The complainant reported persistent invitations from Qureshi despite rejections, creating significant stress. She hesitated to file internal reports due to fears of reprisal and the accused’s influence in the office.
