HR Head Arrested in Pune in Nashik IT Company Harassment Case; SIT Formed for Probe

HR official of a reputed multinational IT company has been arrested from Pune for allegedly ignoring complaints related to sexual harassment and forced religious practices in the firm’s Nashik office. Police have registered nine complaints so far and expect more victims to come forward.

Nashik | March 26, 2026: The investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation, harassment and forced religious conversion attempts involving women employees at a reputed multinational IT company in Nashik has taken a serious turn with the arrest of the company’s HR department head from Pune. Police have arrested Ashwini Ashok Chainani (51), the HR chief of the company, for allegedly failing to act on complaints raised by women employees. Officials said the arrest was made in Pune after investigators found evidence suggesting negligence in addressing the grievances of the victims.

According to police sources, nine formal complaints have been registered so far, and authorities believe more women employees may come forward in the coming days. Considering the sensitivity and seriousness of the case, the Nashik police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough and confidential probe. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred at the company’s Mumbai Naka office in Nashik since 2022. Victims, believed to be aged between 18 and 26 years, have accused certain employees of sexual harassment, molestation, inappropriate remarks and actions that allegedly hurt their religious sentiments. Some complaints also mention pressure to participate in religious rituals, objectionable comments, and humiliating personal questions.

To encourage more victims to report incidents without fear, police have issued a public helpline number 112 and assured that complainants’ identities will be kept completely confidential. Investigators said the inquiry is being conducted in a discreet and sensitive manner. The case has also sparked political reactions. Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane termed the incident as “corporate jihad” and alleged that extremist ideology is entering corporate workplaces. He demanded that the SIT probe be intensified and claimed the case was part of a larger conspiracy to influence religious identity.

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