TCS Nashik case: Key accused seeks anticipatory bail in 'sexual harassment' probe

A female employee of the TCS unit in Nashik, one of the key accused in a case related to alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment of some women colleagues at the office, on Saturday (April 18) moved an anticipatory bail application, citing her two-month-old pregnancy.

The accused, identified as Nida Khan, stated that the charges invoked against her attract less than seven years of punishment. Nida's plea will be heard by the Nashik sessions court on Monday.

Separately, a court extended the police remand of two male accused, Raza Memon (35) and Shafi Sheikh (36), in the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case till April 20 to allow police to identify and question key witnesses and collect more evidence.

Nida's lawyer has denied the charges against his client, saying she cannot be accused of outraging the modesty of other women.

Nashik Police Commissioner Sandip Karnik had said that Nida is accused in only one case of religious harassment at the IT firm unit.

Conflicting statements to police

Nida has been absconding for the last week with her husband making contradictory statements to the police regarding her location. Nida, who was posted at TCS’ Nashik unit, was transferred to the Mumbai offices in Malad and Hiranandani two months ago. Her transfer took place within days after her husband, Moin Naveed Iqbal Khan, was hired as a logistics officer at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Mumbra, Thane, reported NDTV.

The report further stated that when questioned by police on Friday (April 17), Moin said that Nida had left home on April 14 and was living with a relative. But when the investigators reached the relative’s home, they found that it was locked. They further noticed that the mobile phones of both Nida and her relative’s phone were switched off.

Also Read: TCS says no internal complaints in Nashik sexual harassment, conversion case

Later, Moin made a U-turn and told police that Nida’s aunt, identified as Noorie Sheikh, had taken her to Nashik earlier this week, NDTV reported, quoting sources. Then he claimed that he was unaware of Nida’s whereabouts.

TCS has also announced an oversight panel and engagement of external entities in its internal probe. It has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct, it added.

Fresh complaint and SIT probe

Meanwhile, a woman employee at the Nashik unit of TCS has told police that one of the accused assaulted her years ago, hid his marital status, and repeatedly targeted her religious beliefs at the workplace while pressing her to convert to Islam.

Also Read: TCS Nashik: Bajrang Dal hits streets, seek stern action against accused

Investigators have constituted a Special Investigation Team as the case widened, with eight arrests made so far across nine FIRs tied to accusations of sexual harassment and coercive religious conversion within the company’s Nashik office. The firm, which has begun an internal review, said on Friday that no complaints had been routed through its formal mechanisms.

Alleged assault and job promise

According to a First Information Report, the complainant said she first met the accused about four years ago, as both had studied at the same college. Their acquaintance developed into a friendship, during which he assured her he could help her secure a role at TCS.

The complaint states that in July 2022, during a meeting in Deolali Camp, the accused forced himself on her and spoke of marrying her. She later joined the company, where he was also employed.

Marriage revelation and fallout

Her account says that in February 2026, she learned he was already married with two children after being contacted by his wife. When confronted, he allegedly admitted he had no intention of marrying her.

The FIR also names two colleagues as co-accused, alleging that they would meet her frequently in the office canteen and pass remarks about Hindu deities. They allegedly described worshipping 'Shivalinga' as "obscene" and made comments about Draupadi from the Mahabharata.

Also Read: TCS Nashik: Families of accused allege Bajrang Dal involvement, cry ‘conspiracy’

The complainant told police that the group also pressured her to convert, describing Islam as a superior faith. She further alleged harassment and blackmail by some of those named.

Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covering rape, outraging modesty, and promoting enmity on religious grounds. Separate FIRs linked to similar allegations remain under investigation.

(With agency inputs)