Wipro Pune ex-employee complaint alleges conversion pressure, harassment and forced resignation

Weeks after several woman employees at a TCS facility in Nashik alleged sexual abuse and forced religious conversion, a similar case has surfaced in Pune, where a former Wipro employee has accused her female boss of mental harassment, pressure to convert to Islam and forcing her out of her job. Reacting to the allegations, Wipro said it is cooperating with investigators and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and discrimination of its employees.

The woman, who worked as a project manager, has alleged she was subjected to sustained mental harassment by her Bengaluru-based supervisor in Pune‘s IT hub of Hinjewadi. She claimed that another colleague, who allegedly pressured her to convert to Islam and enter into a relationship. According to her complaint, she was promised marriage and opportunities to settle abroad if she accepted the proposal.

The employee claimed that she repeatedly rejected the advances and reported the matter to senior officials. However, instead of receiving support, she allegedly faced retaliation within the organisation. Police have asked the female supervisor to appear for questioning.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that company officials, including members of the Human Resources Department, colluded to force her resignation. She claimed her laptop credentials were changed without her knowledge, access to work systems was blocked and a resignation was submitted on her behalf.

“My laptop passwords were suddenly changed. My system was manipulated and a resignation was submitted without my consent. The harassment continued despite my complaints,” she alleged.

The woman further claimed she was defamed within the company and subjected to pressure and threats that ultimately led to the loss of her job.

Following the incident, the ex-employee served a legal notice to Wipro through her advocates, seeking cancellation of the alleged forced resignation, reinstatement with full back wages, a written apology and Rs 50 lakh in compensation for mental harassment.

WHAT POLICE SAID

Police have confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.

Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjawadi Police Station said the complainant had accused her female boss of making objectionable remarks and pressuring her to resign.

“A project manager working with Wipro has approached us with a complaint against her female superior. We are conducting an inquiry into the allegations and examining what action the company has taken under the provisions of the POSH Act,” Pandhare said.

He added that the accused supervisor, who is based in Bengaluru and manages work remotely, has been asked to appear before police for questioning.

Asked whether the complaint specifically involved allegations of religious conversion, Pandhare said the woman had alleged that objectionable remarks were made against her and that investigators were verifying all claims made in the complaint. “We are conducting an inquiry into the allegations and will provide further details once the investigation progresses,” he added.

Police further said they are also seeking details of any internal inquiry conducted by the company and the action, if any, taken on the employee’s complaints.

WIPRO RESPONDS

Reacting to the case, Wipro said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, discrimination and any conduct that compromises an employee’s rights and 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 in a statement.

The IT major said it has been fully cooperating with investigators and has shared all relevant documents and information sought by 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,” the statement added.

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