Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 8: Nida Khan, a suspended employee linked to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-associated BPO unit in Nashik and one of the key accused in alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion cases, has been arrested by police after remaining absconding for nearly 25 days.

Khan was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing multiple complaints lodged by women employees against staff members of the BPO unit.

The case had sparked controversy last month after several women employees accused colleagues and senior staff of sexual harassment, mental abuse, molestation and attempts at religious conversion.

Police said Khan is accused of hurting religious sentiments and allegedly assisting other accused persons involved in cases related to rape and sexual exploitation.

Investigators further alleged that she attempted to influence one of the complainants to adopt Islam and discouraged victims from approaching police against the accused.

Earlier this month, a Nashik court rejected Khan’s anticipatory bail plea after the prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary in view of digital evidence and witness statements gathered during the investigation.

According to the SIT, Khan allegedly encouraged a complainant to adopt certain religious practices, wear a hijab and burqa, and shared religious material and mobile applications with her.

The investigation team also informed the court that the probe had expanded beyond Nashik, examining possible links to Malegaon and even Malaysia, where alleged overseas job opportunities may have been used as inducements.

Police had previously conducted raids at locations where Khan was suspected to be hiding. Officials said the premises were found locked and the phones of Khan and some relatives remained switched off.

Khan’s lawyer had earlier informed the court that she was pregnant and residing in Mumbai while seeking protection from arrest. The defence denied allegations of forced religious conversion and argued that Maharashtra does not have a specific anti-conversion law.

The controversy centres around allegations made by women employees aged between 18 and 25 working at a TCS-linked BPO unit in Nashik.

The complainants accused certain employees and team leaders of molestation, stalking, sexual exploitation, inappropriate touching, obscene remarks and mental harassment over several years.

Some women alleged they were pressured to perform namaz, wear hijab and burqa, and consume non-vegetarian food in what investigators described as attempts at religious conversion.

FIRs also mention allegations of derogatory remarks against Hindu religious practices and deities within the workplace.

Police said at least nine FIRs have been registered against several accused, including Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Shaikh, Asif Ansari and others.

Several accused have already been arrested, including members linked to the company’s POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee.

Meanwhile, TCS stated that it had not received formal complaints through its internal ethics or POSH mechanisms concerning the accused individuals. However, the company has constituted an oversight committee and engaged independent experts to conduct an internal inquiry into the allegations.