Police in Nashik, Maharashtra, say an investigation into a well-known IT company’s BPO unit has uncovered photographic evidence supporting allegations of forced religious conversion.
Complaints had alleged that women employees aged 18 to 25 faced sexual harassment over the past four years. During the probe, police said a group of team leaders allegedly acted together in misconduct, and that women who refused conversion were subjected to harassment, based on what officials described as a confidential inquiry.
Nashik police have registered nine cases under multiple sections and arrested eight employees, including a woman. An HR official, identified as Nida Khan, is reportedly absconding and is being traced.
Devices seized from the accused, including laptops and mobile phones, were sent for forensic examination. Police said a phone belonging to an accused, Tausif Aadhar, contained a photo taken at the workplace about two-and-a-half years ago, where a person listed as “Gopal” appeared wearing a cap associated with Muslims.
Officials said Gopal was questioned and allegedly admitted he had been forcibly converted around that time and had changed his name to “Gulshan.” Police claimed the group exploited his father’s ill health in 2023, took him to multiple locations, and pressured him into conversion, calling it a key piece of evidence that such activities continued at the firm.
