Complaints reveal pattern across workplace
HR under scanner, no arrest yet
Rape case details trigger wider probe
Live Events
SIT steps in as more women come forward
as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Six employees of a Nashik-based IT company have been arrested after multiple complaints by women colleagues over sexual harassment and exploitation, police said. One of the accused faces a charge of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage, while five others have been booked for harassment and hurting religious sentiments. The arrests come after nine separate complaints surfaced, prompting the police to form a special investigation team (SIT), a TOI reprot stated.Police said the company employs around 300 people and most of the arrested men hold team leader positions. Out of the nine cases registered, eight were filed by women employees citing sexual offences and inappropriate remarks linked to religion. The ninth complaint came from a male employee over similar allegations of hurt religious sentiments.The complaints span incidents reported over the last four years, pointing to a broader pattern inside the workplace rather than isolated cases.Investigators said the company’s internal response is also under scrutiny. Nashik Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Mitke told TOI, "An HR official of the IT company has been named suspect in one these cases as the complainant stated that she had sent him an email, reporting the harassment at workplace by the team leaders concerned but the HR official advised her to ‘stay cool as some gestures were common in MNCs'. The HR official has not been arrested so far."In one of the most serious allegations, the complainant told police that a colleague, despite being married, forced her into a physical relationship after promising marriage. She alleged repeated sexual exploitation at a location on Trimbak Road.The complaint further stated that another associate of the accused allegedly harassed her inside office premises, including the lobby and pantry, and made remarks referencing her relationship with the main accused.Police said the first case, involving rape charges, was registered at Devlali police station on March 26. The remaining complaints were later filed in phases at Mumbai Naka police station.Nashik Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik told TOI, "We are taking serious cognisance of the alleged sexual offences against these women. As part of the same, we have formed a special investigation team (SIT) under an officer of the rank of ACP to investigate all these cases."He added, "Women facing sexual harassment at workplace in any organisation in the city should fearlessly approach Nashik city police. Strict action will be taken against the offenders."ACP Mitke, who is heading the SIT, said, "The complainant in the rape case told police that other women staffers were facing sexual and mental harassment and comments hurting their religious sentiments following which the police contacted these women and counseled them into registering their complaints."Police said the main accused in the rape case has been sent to Nashik Road Central Prison under judicial custody after interrogation. The other five arrested employees remain in police custody till April 10.The company has not issued a response so far despite queries sent by TOI.(Source: TOI)