Nida Khan, a suspended employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) accused in a religious conversion and sexual harassment case linked to the company’s Nashik unit, was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday after remaining absconding for several weeks.
Police claimed that a local AIMIM corporator allegedly provided shelter to Khan and her family during the period she was on the run.
After her arrest, Khan was produced before a Nashik court on Friday, which sent her to police custody till May 11 for further investigation.
Police Claim “Systematic Plan” Behind Alleged Conversion
The case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Nashik police after multiple women employees at the TCS office accused colleagues and seniors of sexual harassment, mental harassment and attempts at forced religious conversion.
According to the prosecution, Khan allegedly pressured women employees to follow Islamic practices, including offering namaz, wearing a burqa and consuming non-vegetarian food. Police also alleged that one victim was being prepared for conversion and her name was planned to be changed to “Haniya”.
District Government Prosecutor A S Misar told the court that investigators were examining Instagram links, YouTube videos and social media reels allegedly sent repeatedly to the complainant.
“There was an attempt to convert the victim. She was given a burqa and training for offering namaz,” the prosecution claimed in court.
Police further alleged that there were possible links to a larger conversion network operating from Malegaon in Maharashtra, and said custodial interrogation of Khan was necessary.
Court Earlier Rejected Anticipatory Bail
Khan had earlier approached a sessions court seeking anticipatory bail, claiming innocence and citing her pregnancy. However, the court rejected her plea on May 2.
While refusing relief, the court reportedly observed that the allegations suggested a “systematic plan” of brainwashing the complainant.
Police said Khan was arrested from the Naregaon area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after a joint operation by Nashik police, the local Crime Branch and city police teams.
Her father, mother, brother and aunt were reportedly staying with her at the time of the arrest.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Reacts
Reacting to the arrest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the role of the AIMIM corporator who allegedly sheltered Khan would also be investigated.
“It is clear that an AIMIM corporator gave her shelter. We will find out who was behind it and whether they were encouraging the conversion racket,” Fadnavis told reporters.
Police later named AIMIM corporator Matin Patel as an accused for allegedly helping Khan hide.
Political War of Words Erupts
The arrest triggered political reactions in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat demanded an investigation into possible links between AIMIM leaders and the case.
Former MP Imtiaz Jaleel hit back, accusing the government of conducting a media trial.
“If the police have registered an FIR, they will act according to law. Why are politicians acting like police and courts?” Jaleel said.
Meanwhile, BJP minister Nitesh Rane made sharp remarks against AIMIM over the controversy.
TCS Says Employees Suspended
Following the allegations, TCS stated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion at the workplace. The company said the employees named in the case had been suspended.
The Maharashtra government has now directed all government and private organisations with more than 10 employees to strictly implement the POSH Act and register Internal Complaints Committees on the Centre’s She-Box portal.
