Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday alleged that the Nashik TCS sexual exploitation and forced conversion case was being used to target educated Muslim youth and claimed that accused Nida Khan was facing a “trial by media”.
Speaking at a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the AIMIM chief said the matter should be decided only by the courts and not through public narratives or television debates.
“There are nine FIRs in the case. Nida Khan has been accused of hurting religious sentiments in one of them. Nobody can give a verdict in the matter except the court. We condemn this media trial,” Owaisi said.
‘Conspiracy to Harass Educated Muslim Youths’
Owaisi alleged that the case was part of a larger attempt to harass educated Muslim men and women. He said the judiciary would ultimately ensure justice.
“The court will do justice and declare the accused innocent. The case is not going to withstand the legal test,” he said.
Referring to the allegations against Khan, Owaisi said she was not part of the Human Resources department at Tata Consultancy Services and had been transferred even before the complaint was filed.
He also pointed out that the complainant in the case was allegedly linked to the ruling party.
Owaisi Questions Police Claims
The AIMIM leader criticised the police for highlighting the recovery of burqa, hijab and religious books during searches connected to the case.
“What does finding a burqa mean? Every Muslim household will have a burqa, Quran and religious books. Since when has wearing a burqa become illegal?” Owaisi asked.
He said allegations alone could not prove guilt. “If anybody is accused, it is not necessary that the person will be punished. Those making allegations have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a crime took place,” he added.
Owaisi also compared the atmosphere around the case to past terror investigations, including the Malegaon blast and Mumbai train blast cases, where several accused were later acquitted.
“Many lives were destroyed in those cases. If you want justice, then don’t do media trial,” he said.
AIMIM Leader Refuses to Comment on Harbouring Allegation
The controversy intensified after police alleged that AIMIM corporator Matin Patel helped shelter Nida Khan in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Patel has since been booked by police.
Asked about the allegation, Owaisi refused to comment directly and said the matter should be decided legally.
“Let them target us. It does not matter. We will face it legally,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat accused AIMIM leaders of helping Khan and demanded a Special Investigation Team probe into the matter.
Shirsat alleged that there was a “love jihad conspiracy” behind the case and claimed AIMIM leaders had supported Khan after her arrest.
Police Investigation Continues
The Nashik Police Special Investigation Team is probing multiple complaints related to allegations of sexual exploitation, harassment and attempts at religious conversion at the TCS office in Nashik.
Nida Khan was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and later remanded to police custody. Police have also arrested several other accused in connection with the case.
The case has triggered sharp political reactions in Maharashtra, with ruling alliance leaders attacking AIMIM, while the opposition and minority groups have raised concerns over media coverage and communal narratives surrounding the investigation.
