A suspended employee linked to a TCS-associated BPO unit in Nashik has been arrested in connection with sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion cases.
The accused, Nida Khan, was arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar after reportedly avoiding police for nearly 25 days.
The case came into the spotlight last month after several women employees made serious allegations against staff members at the BPO unit. Complaints included sexual harassment, mental harassment, molestation, stalking, and attempts at religious conversion.
Police said Khan is accused of hurting religious sentiments and helping other accused involved in rape and sexual exploitation cases. Investigators also alleged that she tried to influence one complainant to adopt Islam and discouraged victims from filing police complaints.
According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Khan allegedly encouraged a complainant to wear a hijab and burqa, shared religious content with her, and introduced her to certain religious practices.
Police also claimed there were discussions about changing the complainant’s name and that some accused had taken important documents related to the victim.
Khan had earlier approached a court for anticipatory bail, but her plea was rejected. The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary because the investigation had found digital evidence and witness statements.
The SIT is also investigating possible links connected to Malegaon and Malaysia, where alleged job opportunities may have been used to influence victims.
The controversy is linked to a TCS-associated BPO office where women employees aged between 18 and 25 accused senior staff and team leaders of harassment over several years.
Some complainants alleged they were pressured to perform namaz, wear hijab, and eat non-vegetarian food. FIRs also mention allegations of offensive remarks against Hindu religious practices.
Police said at least nine FIRs have been registered against multiple accused, including Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Shaikh, Asif Ansari, and others.
Several accused have already been arrested, including some officials linked to the POSH committee.
Tata Consultancy Services has said it did not receive formal complaints through its internal systems related to the accused individuals. However, the company has formed an oversight committee and started an internal investigation into the matter.
