The Nashik city police have sought further custody of four accused in the alleged conversion case linked to a TCS BPO unit, saying more investigation is needed into key claims made by the complainant.
According to a report by The Indian Express, police told the court that they need to trace the shop from where a skull cap, described as a “Muslim religious cap” in the remand note, was allegedly purchased. The cap was reportedly seen on the complainant’s head in a video that is now part of the investigation.
Court Grants Custody Till April 29
The Mumbai Naka police, where FIR No. 166/26 was registered, had asked for a 10 day remand. The court, however, granted police custody of the four accused till April 29.
So far, nine FIRs have been registered in the case. Seven people have been arrested, with some named in more than one FIR. Police are taking custody of the accused separately in different cases to continue the probe.
Claims About Food and Feeling Intoxicated
In the remand application, police referred to the complainant’s statement that after eating sheer khurma, a dessert commonly prepared during Eid, at the house of one of the accused, he felt his head becoming heavy and experienced a sense of intoxication.
Police told the court that this claim needs to be examined carefully to determine whether there was any substance involved or if the allegation is unsupported.
Accused Named and Charges Filed
The four accused in the case are Tausif Attar, Danish Shaikh, Shahrukh Qureshi and Raza Memon. They have been booked on allegations including sexual exploitation and religious conversion.
Police also told the court that the accused allegedly took the complainant to a hotel where he was made to eat non vegetarian food. Investigators want to visit the location and carry out a panchnama as part of the probe.
Vehicles and WhatsApp Evidence Under Probe
According to the remand note, the complainant was allegedly taken in different vehicles, including a Maruti Zen and a Maruti Swift. Police said they need to question the accused further to trace and seize these vehicles.
Another important part of the investigation is a WhatsApp group named “TCS Nashik,” where a photo or video of the complainant wearing the skull cap was allegedly shared. Police are trying to retrieve and examine this digital evidence.
Defence Opposes Custody
The defence argued in court that police custody was not required as mobile phones of the accused had already been seized. They said further questioning could be done without keeping the accused in custody.
