Former MP and AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel has been mentioned in a police chargesheet linked to the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case involving the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), even as he is currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
The mention of Jaleel’s name comes in connection with the police search for accused Nida Khan, who was allegedly absconding when the investigation was underway.
Chargesheet Refers to Jaleel During Search for Nida Khan
According to the first chargesheet filed by Nashik Police on May 22, AIMIM corporator Matin Patel repeatedly referred to Jaleel when questioned about Nida Khan’s whereabouts.
The 3,500-page chargesheet is linked to one of the nine FIRs registered in the case. The first FIR, filed at Deolali Camp Police Station, includes allegations of rape, hurting religious sentiments and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. It names TCS employees Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar and Nida Khan, along with AIMIM corporator Matin Patel.
As per the chargesheet, police suspected that Patel had provided shelter to Nida Khan despite knowing that her anticipatory bail plea had been rejected by a Nashik court.
“While the search for accused Nida Ejaz Khan was in progress, it was revealed through confidential information and technical analysis that Matin Majid Patel had provided shelter to the accused to help her evade arrest,” the chargesheet stated.
Police said that when Patel was questioned by the Crime Branch in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he repeatedly replied, “Imtiyaz Jalil Sahib ko poochna padega” (We will have to ask Imtiaz Jaleel Sahib).
The chargesheet claims that after extended questioning, Patel eventually led police to the location where Nida Khan and her family were allegedly staying. Nida, along with her parents, brother and aunt, was later found in the Naregaon-Kausar CIDCO area and taken into custody on May 7.
Jaleel Says He Met Family, Ready for Probe
So far, police have not issued any notice to Jaleel or questioned him in the matter. However, there is speculation that he may be summoned for questioning based on witness statements and details mentioned in the chargesheet.
Responding to reports, Jaleel said he was unaware that his name had appeared in the chargesheet as he was in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
“I am ready to face any inquiry. I have already acknowledged that I met the girl’s family, and I will continue to fight for what I believe is right,” he told media reports.
Jaleel had earlier admitted to meeting Nida Khan, her mother and aunt in April and publicly supported them. He also protested against the demolition of the house where Nida was allegedly staying after her arrest.
Following the demolition of properties linked to AIMIM corporator Matin Patel by municipal authorities, Jaleel criticised the action and questioned why Patel’s family was being punished.
“What was the hurry in demolishing Matin Patel’s residence? If Patel committed any mistake, his elderly parents, wife and children have no fault,” Jaleel had said.
He also promised political support to Patel, saying, “We will fight this legally. I assure you that the AIMIM will build Matin a better and bigger place at the same location.”
Lawyer Calls Mention of Jaleel ‘Politics’
Patel’s lawyer, Abhaysinh Bhosale, dismissed suggestions of Jaleel’s involvement in the case and said Patel may have referred to him because he is the senior party leader.
“To suggest that Jaleel had a role in the entire TCS controversy is sheer politics,” Bhosale said.
What the Chargesheet Alleges
The complainant in the case alleged that Danish Shaikh sexually exploited her on the promise of marriage and financially exploited her during their relationship. She also accused Nida Khan of encouraging her to adopt Islamic practices and pressuring her to convert.
The chargesheet further alleges that Tausif Attar tried to pressure the complainant into a physical relationship.
Meanwhile, TCS has said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion. The company has suspended the employees named in the case while the investigation continues.
An SIT of Nashik Police is currently probing all nine FIRs linked to the allegations at the TCS Nashik office.
