A four-member fact-finding committee has started its investigation into the alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment case connected to the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) office in Nashik. The panel includes a retired judge, a former IPS officer, an advocate, and a coordinator from the National Commission for Women (NCW). Advocate Monika Arora confirmed the development on Saturday while speaking about the purpose of the visit.

Arora stated, "We have come for an inquiry into the episode of TCS. And we are going to talk to all the stakeholders." She made it clear that the committee has just begun its work and will first interact with all concerned parties before sharing any findings. The panel aims to understand the situation fully before drawing conclusions or making recommendations.

She further added, "It's not possible for us to say anything right now because we will meet all the stakeholders and talk to them, and whatever truth comes out, based on that, we are going to make a recommendation and a report." Emphasising the structure of the committee, Arora said, "The committee has a retired judge, a retired IPS officer, and an advocate and a coordinator from NCW. There are four people."

The committee’s visit comes at a time when protests have intensified in Nashik. Members of Bajrang Dal gathered outside the District Collector's Office, demanding strict action in connection with the allegations. The issue has drawn significant attention, leading to both public protests and multiple official inquiries.

In a related development, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken custody of two accused individuals, Safi Shaikh and Raza Memon. They are being interrogated in connection with the alleged forced religious conversion case linked to the Nashik TCS office. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover more details about the case.

TCS has also initiated its own internal inquiry into the matter. CEO and Managing Director K. Krithivasan stated that the company has brought in expert teams from Deloitte and the law firm Trilegal to assist in the investigation. The internal probe is being led by Aarthi Subramanian, who serves as the President and COO of the company. In addition, TCS has formed another committee, chaired by Independent Director Keki Mistry, to oversee the process.

The company has clarified that its Nashik unit continues to function normally and is serving its clients without disruption. TCS also stated that an initial review of its systems and records related to the Nashik office has not revealed any complaints matching the nature of the allegations. According to the company, no such issues were reported through its ethics or POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) channels.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as a serious concern and confirmed that the state government is conducting a detailed investigation. He suggested that authorities are examining whether the matter could involve a larger conspiracy. Speaking on the issue, Fadnavis said, "The incident which has occurred in Nashik TCS is a very serious matter. I would like to thank TCS for taking cognisance of the matter. The TCS chief has condemned it, and they are cooperating with the police. We are trying to go to the root of the incident. We are probing the matter. If it emerges as corporate jihad, we will find its root."

The National Human Rights Commission has also taken note of the allegations. Member Priyank Kanungo stated that the commission received a complaint detailing serious accusations against the TCS BPO in Nashik. The complaint alleged that women employees were being manipulated, blackmailed, and forced into religious conversion. It also claimed that they were made to offer prayers and were subjected to sexual exploitation, allegedly with the knowledge of senior management.

Speaking on the matter, Kanungo said, "... A complaint was received alleging that at a TCS BPO in Nashik, women employees were being groomed, lured, blackmailed, forced to change religion, made to offer prayers, and subjected to sexual exploitation -- all with the knowledge of senior management. It was claimed that management deliberately allowed such activities... We have taken cognisance of the complaint and asked TCS to provide details of all their BPOs and offices across India, including subsidiaries, the constitution of their POSH committees, and records of complaints received in the past three years, along with how they were handled."

He also added that the commission has sought information from the Maharashtra Police regarding the FIR registered in this case. The authorities have been asked to clarify whether the head of operations of the concerned office has been named as an accused, and if not, the reasons behind it. The commission has given a two-week deadline for this information to be submitted.

At present, a total of nine cases have been registered in connection with the incident. One case has been filed at Deolali Camp police station, while the remaining eight cases have been registered at Mumbai Naka police station. Investigations are ongoing at multiple levels, involving both state agencies and independent bodies, as authorities work to establish the facts of the case.