A pattern of targeting vulnerable employees has emerged in the ongoing probe into alleged religious conversion attempts and sexual assault at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik branch, according to police sources.
According to an media report, investigators said the accused, including members of a training team and an HR manager, had access to detailed information about new recruits and allegedly used it to identify potential targets.
Police sources said that they carried out an undercover operation to probe the allegations. Women constables posed as housekeeping staff and entered the office premises without raising suspicion.
As housekeeping services are outsourced and handled by an external agency, deploying women personnel in disguise ensured the accused were not alerted, sources said. Male officers were also present on the premises in disguise as part of the operation, which was aimed at verifying the claims.
Identification Of Targets
According to India Today, police sources said new joinees were assessed based on financial background and personal circumstances. Those facing monetary stress or family issues were allegedly singled out.
Financial Profiling
The accused reportedly used internal access to evaluate employees’ vulnerabilities, including their need for financial support.
An HR manager allegedly approached selected individuals with apparent empathy, offering support and building personal rapport.
Derogatory Religious Remarks
Complainants told investigators that derogatory comments about their religion were made during interactions.
Gradual Radicalisation
Authorities said the process then moved towards influencing beliefs over time, forming part of what has been described as a structured approach.
Police sources said the allegations point to the involvement of a coordinated group within the organisation. The investigation is ongoing.
Police sources said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has widened its probe amid claims that similar radicalisation attempts may have been underway across multiple IT companies.
Investigators are examining allegations of “radicalisation hubs" operating within offices, where senior employees are suspected of using workplace hierarchy to influence junior staff.
Forensic teams are also analysing a suspected pattern of digital surveillance, with claims that internal communication systems were used to track employees’ activities and movements, sources said.
Source: News18