In the alleged exploitation case linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Maharashtra’s Nashik, investigators say they have uncovered fresh details suggesting attempts at religious coercion, identity change, and sexual abuse involving multiple accused.
According to police, one of the main accused, Nida Khan, who earlier worked as a process associate at the company, is currently absconding. Authorities have alleged that she tried to influence a survivor to change her religion and even attempted to alter her name.
Allegations of Forced Conversion and Identity Change
Investigators claim that Khan allegedly pressured a survivor to adopt a new identity and change her name to “Haniya.” She is also accused of giving the survivor a burqa and Islamic religious books, which police have seized as part of the probe.
They further alleged that Khan installed religious applications on the survivor’s phone and shared links to online content in an effort to influence her beliefs. “She continuously tried to persuade the complainant to convert and warned of consequences if she refused,” a prosecution source told the court.
The case has taken a serious turn as the survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, leading police to invoke provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Malaysia Job Offer and Wider Conspiracy Angle
Police are also probing claims that the accused lured the survivor with a job offer in Malaysia. According to investigators, this plan was allegedly part of a larger conspiracy involving contacts in Malegaon and possibly overseas links.
“We need custodial interrogation to uncover the money trail and identify others involved,” Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar told the court, opposing Khan’s anticipatory bail plea.
Sexual Exploitation Charges Against Co-Accused
The case also involves serious allegations of sexual exploitation. One of the accused, Danish Sheikh, has been charged with sexually exploiting a survivor under the false promise of marriage, despite being married at the time.
Another accused, Tausif Bilal Attar, faces charges of molestation and criminal intimidation. Police allege he forced a survivor into sexual acts by threatening to reveal private information to her family.
Multiple Complaints Filed, Probe Expands
So far, at least seven women and one man have filed complaints, leading to eight separate FIRs. Police believe more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses.
Seven accused are currently in custody, while Nida Khan remains on the run, authorities said. They have stressed that recovering her mobile phone is crucial to accessing digital evidence and establishing the full extent of the alleged network.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
A Nashik court recently denied interim protection from arrest to Khan, despite her claim of being pregnant. The court has reserved its order on her anticipatory bail plea, with a decision expected soon.
Meanwhile, TCS has suspended the employees named in the case after the allegations surfaced.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and will examine all aspects, including possible funding sources, digital communication, and any broader network involved in the case.
