Forced Conversion
After TCS Nashik case, Wipro ex-staff alleges religious harassment, forced conversion pressure
Pune/IBNS: Months after allegations of religious coercion and harassment surfaced at Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) Nashik BPO unit, an ex-employee of Wipro has accused her former manager of religious harassment and attempting to pressure her into converting to Islam, prompting a police investigation and a complaint before the state's human rights body.
The woman, who worked at Wipro's Pune campus in Hinjewadi, alleged that sustained workplace harassment linked to her religious beliefs forced her to resign.
The accused manager, according to the complaint, is based in Bengaluru and continues to work from there.
Wipro has said it is cooperating fully with authorities and has provided all relevant information requested by investigators.
Ex-staff alleges sustained religious pressure
According to the complainant, she faced repeated pressure from senior managers and team leaders during her tenure at the company's Pune office because of her religious identity.
She alleged that certain colleagues and superiors repeatedly encouraged her to convert to Islam and adopt religious practices associated with the faith.
The woman claimed that when she refused, the workplace environment became increasingly hostile.
The former employee further alleged that her manager threatened to give her an unfavourable performance assessment and terminate her employment if she did not comply.
She said the alleged harassment caused significant mental stress and ultimately led to her resignation.
Police complaint filed
After failing to receive what she described as a satisfactory response through the company's internal grievance mechanism, the woman approached law enforcement authorities and the state's human rights commission.
Pune Police have confirmed that they are examining the allegations.
Senior police officer Balaji Pandhare said, "A female project manager at Wipro has filed a complaint with us alleging that her female boss, who was involved in insurance-related operations, made certain objectionable remarks about her."
"She alleged her boss subsequently asked her to resign. Later, she filed a formal complaint with us. Her boss against whom she filed the complaint lives in Bengaluru and works from there. We will also investigate what action, if any, the company has taken thus far regarding this complaint," he added.
Police reviewing allegations and company records
Authorities have begun reviewing the specific allegations outlined in the complaint as part of their inquiry.
Investigators are also examining the company's internal records and any actions taken by Wipro after the allegations were raised through internal channels.
The police have not yet announced any findings, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti raises the issue publicly
The matter gained wider attention after the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a non-profit organisation, organised a press conference in Pune on Wednesday.
During the event, the former employee described her experiences while working at Wipro between 2019 and 2025 and reiterated her allegations regarding religious harassment and workplace pressure.
The organisation called for a thorough investigation into the claims.
Wipro reaffirms zero-tolerance policy
Responding to the allegations, Wipro issued a statement emphasising its commitment to employee welfare and workplace dignity.
"At Wipro, employee welfare, dignity, and respect are paramount. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or actions that compromise an individual's fundamental rights and freedoms," the company said.
The IT services firm also confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
"We have been fully cooperating with the authorities in this matter and have provided all relevant documents and information with the Pune Police. As the matter is currently under investigation, we cannot comment on the specifics of the case. We remain committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace for all our employees," Wipro added.
Investigation continues amid wider debate
The allegations have renewed discussions about workplace conduct, employee welfare and religious freedom within the corporate sector.
The case also comes months after another controversy involving alleged religious conversion-related harassment at a TCS facility in Nashik.
Earlier reports regarding that case led to investigations and arrests following complaints made by several employees.
Authorities have not drawn any connection between the two matters, and the Wipro case remains under investigation.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
