Women cops’ sting busts sexual abuse, religious harassment in Nashik IT company

The officers entered the office in disguise and documented instances of alleged harassment faced by employees.

Their operation led to several accused, including a team leader and a woman HR representative, being caught and taken into custody.

Multiple cases registered, arrests made

Police said nine cases have been registered against six individuals linked to the firm, while seven accused have been arrested so far.

The victims, aged between 18 and 25, include both women and a male employee. The male employee allegedly faced religious insults and was forced to offer namaz.

Allegations span sexual and religious harassment

According to investigators, the accused engaged in repeated acts of sexual harassment, coercion, and religious intimidation over a period of nearly four years.

The charges include molestation, inappropriate physical contact, coercion under the pretext of marriage, stalking, and making derogatory remarks about religious beliefs.

Victims also alleged they were pressured to change their dietary practices and religious identity.

Inaction by senior official under scrutiny

Police said the alleged abuse continued unchecked due to the inaction of the company’s head officer.

Despite repeated verbal complaints by victims, no corrective steps were taken. “The head officer failed to take cognisance of the complaints and effectively abetted the accused by allowing the behaviour to continue,” police said in a statement.

Investigators are currently reviewing footage from around 40 CCTV cameras to gather further evidence.

Timeline points to pattern of abuse

A report by NDTV outlines multiple incidents between 2022 and 2026, indicating a pattern of sustained harassment:

• 2022–2026: Victims allegedly faced derogatory remarks about their religion, coercion, and obscene behaviour within office premises.
• May 2023–March 2026: Complaints of inappropriate touching, lewd comments, and workplace intimidation reportedly went unaddressed.
• 2024–2026: Accused individuals allegedly engaged in stalking, physical harassment, and coordinated abuse targeting victims.
• 2025–2026: Victims reported pressure for physical relationships, repeated harassment, and intrusion into their private lives.
• SIT Formed, Wider Racket Suspected
• A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by ACP Sandeep Mitke has been constituted to probe the case.

Police are also examining whether a larger organised racket operated within the firm. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward with complaints as the investigation continues.