Six IT Team Leaders Arrested In Nashik For Sexual Harassment, Rape; SIT Formed

Last Updated:April 09, 2026, 09:16 IST

The victims had earlier filed formal complaints under the POSH Act with the company's HR head.

A major workplace harassment case has shaken Maharashtra’s Nashik after six team leaders at a leading IT company were arrested on charges ranging from sexual harassment and molestation to rape and hurting religious sentiments. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter, with police suspecting that more victims may come forward as the probe deepens.

Nine First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered so far, and all six accused- identified as Asif Ansari, Shafi Sheikh, Shah Rukh Qureshi, Raza Memon and Tausif Attar- have been taken into custody.

According to police, the incidents allegedly took place over a period of two to three years inside the company’s premises. Victims- mostly women aged between 18 and 25- claim they were subjected to inappropriate physical advances, objectionable comments about their bodies and clothing and repeated remarks targeting their religion that caused significant distress. One accused in the rape case is reportedly married and is alleged to have drawn the victim into a relationship under false pretences before the assault took place.

One complaint has been filed by a male employee, who alleges that he was pressured into participating in religious conversion practices- including specific rituals and changes to his diet- by colleagues in a position of authority over him.

HR Head Booked

The victims had earlier filed formal complaints under the POSH Act- the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013- with the company’s HR head. The complainants allege, however, that no action was taken in response to those complaints. Following this alleged inaction, police have registered a case against the HR head as well.

SIT To Investigate Further

Given the scale and complexity of the case- spanning multiple victims, multiple types of offences, and allegations of institutional cover-up- a Special Investigation Team has been constituted to lead the probe. Police have indicated they are investigating from all angles and believe additional victims may not yet have come forward. Authorities urged anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the SIT.

News india Six IT Team Leaders Arrested In Nashik For Sexual Harassment, Rape; SIT Formed

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