PUNE: A former employee of a technology firm has alleged religious harassment, workplace discrimination and forced resignation, following which a complaint has been lodged with Hinjawadi Police in Pune and a legal notice served on the company. According to news agency ANI, the allegations were made at a press conference in Pune organised by representatives of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, where the woman detailed incidents she claims occurred during her tenure at the company’s Hinjawadi office. According to the complainant, a female colleague allegedly pressured her on multiple occasions 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 encouraged her to leave her Hindu faith, claiming it would lead to a better lifestyle and opportunities abroad. The former employee said she objected to such comments and later limited her interactions with the colleague to official work-related communication. “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. She further claimed she had escalated the matter to senior company officials, but no action was taken. Instead, she alleged that a complaint was filed against her before the company’s internal Ombuds Committee. The complainant also alleged irregularities in the internal inquiry process, saying that despite submitting evidence, her version was not properly considered. She further claimed that in August 2025, she was called to a Teams meeting with company representatives and was pressured to resign. She alleged that the resignation was obtained under pressure and without a fair chance to present her case. Advocate Vivek Bhosale, representing the former employee, said the resignation violated principles of natural justice and labour law. He added that a legal notice has been issued to the company seeking reinstatement, continuity of service, withdrawal of the resignation and Rs 50 lakh compensation for alleged mental trauma and reputational damage. Representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, including Sunil Ghanwat, who was present at the press conference, called for a detailed investigation and urged the Maharashtra government to look into the matter. They said the case raised concerns about workplace safety, religious freedom and grievance redressal mechanisms in corporate settings. Sunil Ghanwat, Coordinator for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti for Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, said: “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.” Police in Hinjawadi have confirmed receipt of a complaint and said an investigation is under way. Senior Police Inspector 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.”
