‘The way they trap Hindu women…’: Pune ex-tech firm employee alleges religious harassment, forced resignation

AFormer employee of a technology business firm in Pune has accused it of weakness to call complaints of spiritual torment and workplace discrimination.The allegations were brought into the public domain during a press conference held in Pune, where the woman, accompanied by representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, outlined a series of incidents she claims occurred during her tenure at the company's Hinjewadi office, news agency ANI reported.Allegations of pressure to convertAccording to the former employee, a female colleague repeatedly encouraged her to convert to Islam and enter into a relationship with a Muslim man. She alleged that the colleague made repeated remarks about her personal life and suggested that abandoning her Hindu faith would provide better opportunities and an improved lifestyle abroad.Also read | Gurugram: Woman jumps to death from office building; husband arrestedThe complainant said she objected to these conversations and eventually limited her interactions with the colleague to official work-related matters."The way these people trap women, Hindu women, and then force them, compel them, to either follow their ways or leave their jobs. Due to this forced situation, I had to hold this press conference. I have endured harassment and torture for 10 months. I had to bring this forward, and I also want to create awareness that if women are Hindu, we should at least take some steps for their protection. And this undercover process of religious conversion, the highlights of which we never get to know. We think we are just having a casual talk, while they are trying to trap you and make you accept conversion to Islam. When we talk to the company about these things, the company says these things don't happen in our company, and it's covered up," the complainant alleged.Questions raised over internal complaint processThe former employee claimed that she reported the matter to senior officials within the company but did not receive the response she expected.Also read | House help alleges torture by employers in Delhi’s Rajouri GardenAccording to her, no action was taken on her complaint. Instead, she alleged that a complaint was subsequently filed against her before the company's internal Ombuds Committee.She also questioned the manner in which the inquiry was conducted, alleging that evidence submitted by her and concerns raised through official channels were not adequately considered during the process.Forced resignation claimThe woman further alleged that in August 2025 she was called into a Microsoft Teams meeting with company representatives and was compelled to resign.According to her account, the resignation was obtained under pressure and without giving her a fair opportunity to present her side of the matter.Also read | Woman claims ‘lunatic’ boss stalks workers via CCTV, lets dogs urinate in officeAdvocate Vivek Bhosale, who is representing the former employee, said a legal notice has been served on the company.He alleged that the resignation was secured in violation of principles of natural justice and labour laws. The notice seeks reinstatement of the employee with continuity of service, withdrawal of the resignation and compensation of ₹50 lakh for alleged mental trauma and reputational harm.Representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, who accompanied the complainant during the press conference, called for a detailed inquiry into the allegations and urged the Maharashtra government to examine the matter.They said the case raises broader concerns regarding workplace safety, religious freedom and the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms within corporate institutions." A significant press conference was held at the Pune Press Club today regarding "Corporate Jihad" currently going on in Pune's IT industry. A victim approached the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and shared how she is being harassed. Her colleague told her to accept Islam and compelled her to have physical relations. She has been harassed several times. Our demand is that... It needs to be investigated. The victim needs justice. She was forced out of her job 8-10 months ago, and her harassment wasn't investigated," Sunil Ghanwat, Coordinator for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The matter has now reached the police. Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjewadi Police Station confirmed that a complaint has been received and that an investigation has begun.Balaji Pandhare said, "She has complained that her former female boss used some objectionable words against her. After receiving the complaint, we have started the investigation into it. The female boss, currently posted in Bangalore, has been asked to record her statement to help in the investigation."Police said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.(With inputs from ANI)