A former employee of a technology firm in Pune has accused the company of failing to address complaints of religious harassment, workplace discrimination, and forced resignation.
The allegations were brought to the public’s attention during a press conference in Pune, where the woman, accompanied by representatives of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, outlined a series of incidents she claims occurred during her tenure at the company’s Hinjewadi office.
According 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.
The 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,” she alleged.
The former employee claimed that she reported the matter to senior officials within the company but did not receive the expected response. According 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.
The 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 without giving her a fair opportunity to present her side.
Advocate Vivek Bhosale, 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 with continuity of service, withdrawal of resignation, and compensation of ₹50 lakh for alleged mental trauma and reputational harm.
Representatives of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti called for a detailed inquiry and urged the Maharashtra government to examine the matter.
Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjewadi Police Station confirmed that a complaint has been received and an investigation has begun. “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,” he said.
Workplace religious harassment and forced conversion attempts must be addressed with zero tolerance and accountability.
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