A court in Nashik on Wednesday extended the police custody of four employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) till May 2 in connection with an alleged case involving religious conversion of a male colleague, reported PTI.
The accused—Raza Rafiq Memon (35), Tausif Bilal Attar (37), Danish Ejaz Sheikh (32), and Shahrukh Husain Shaukat Qureshi (34)—were produced before an additional chief judicial magistrate, who granted the extension following a request from the prosecution, reported PTI.
SIT seeks more time to examine money trail and overseas connections
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) argued that additional custodial interrogation was required to trace the financial aspects of the case and examine possible international links. Investigators are focusing on tracking transactions and identifying whether any external entities were involved, reported PTI.
The four accused were earlier taken into custody from Nashik Road Central Jail on April 23 as part of the ongoing probe. They were initially remanded to police custody until April 29 before the extension was granted, reported PTI.
Charges include harassment and offences under BNS provisions
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to sexual harassment, acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, and deliberate actions aimed at outraging religious sentiments, reported PTI.
Authorities have also alleged that the accused were involved in inappropriate conduct towards female colleagues at the company’s Nashik unit. These allegations form a significant part of the ongoing investigation, reported PTI.
Separate proceedings continue for female accused
In a related development, a court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Ashwini Chainani, identified as an operations manager, until May 5. The prosecution sought additional time to present its case, citing changes in legal representation.
The matter is currently being heard in-camera, indicating the sensitive nature of the allegations involved.
Case registered in Nashik, probe expands across jurisdictions
The case was registered at Mumbai Naka police station in Nashik. Officials have indicated that the investigation spans multiple aspects, including workplace conduct, alleged coercion, and financial transactions.
Authorities are continuing to examine digital evidence, communication records, and other material to establish the sequence of events and determine the extent of involvement of each accused.
Tata Consultancy Services reiterates zero-tolerance policy
Tata Consultancy Services has stated that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct. The company said it is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
In its response, TCS confirmed that it is extending full cooperation to law enforcement agencies to facilitate a thorough and transparent investigation.
Investigation ongoing as authorities examine wider implications
With custody extended and multiple angles under scrutiny, investigators are expected to intensify efforts in the coming days. The focus remains on uncovering the financial trail, verifying allegations, and determining whether any broader network or external influence is involved.
Further developments in the case are likely as the SIT continues its probe and presents findings before the court.
(With inputs from PTI)