Police in Nashik, Maharashtra, have arrested nine people, including a Human Resources (HR) manager, in connection with serious allegations of sexual harassment and religious misconduct at a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) unit. The action came after several employees approached authorities with complaints over the past few weeks.
The case first surfaced on March 25, when a young woman filed a complaint at the Deolali Camp police station. She alleged that between 2022 and 2026, some colleagues subjected her to harassment that hurt her religious sentiments and also accused one employee of sexual exploitation.
Probe Expands as More Victims Come Forward
Following the initial complaint, police launched a wider investigation and urged other employees to speak up. By early April, nine complaints had been filed by eight women and one man.
According to investigators, many complainants said they had earlier reported the incidents internally but no action was taken. “Despite informing HR, nothing was done. We were afraid of losing our jobs,” one complainant reportedly told police.
Officials said several of the accused held senior roles such as team leaders and allegedly misused their positions to exploit junior staff.
Serious Allegations Against Accused
The complaints include accusations of sexual harassment, stalking, inappropriate remarks, and coercion. Some employees alleged that they were subjected to comments about their personal lives and faced uncomfortable behaviour at the workplace.
There are also allegations of religious harassment. Some complainants claimed they were pressured into practices against their beliefs. These claims are currently under investigation, and police have not yet confirmed all aspects.
Authorities said the accused created an atmosphere of fear, making it difficult for victims to come forward earlier.
HR Manager Also Booked
A senior HR official has also been arrested for allegedly failing to act on repeated complaints. Police believe that inaction by the HR department allowed the alleged misconduct to continue unchecked.
An officer involved in the probe said, “The role of management is under scrutiny. We are examining whether proper procedures were followed under workplace safety laws.”
SIT Formed, Inquiry Underway
Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a detailed probe. Officials are also examining whether the company complied with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.
District authorities have ordered a parallel inquiry into workplace practices, including how complaints were handled.
Political Reactions Intensify Debate
The case has triggered strong political reactions, with some leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party describing it as “corporate jihad,” a term that has sparked controversy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the case “very serious” and said, “Sexual harassment and coercion in corporate setups are unacceptable. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
State minister Nitesh Rane also criticised the company’s handling of the complaints, questioning why action was not taken earlier.
