A Nashik court has refused anticipatory bail to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee Nida Khan in a case involving serious allegations of sexual harassment, religious coercion, and attempted forced conversion. The court observed that the allegations pointed to a “systematic plan” to influence and psychologically manipulate the victim.

The order, passed by Additional Sessions Judge K G Joshi and made public on Monday, underlined that custodial interrogation was necessary due to the “multi-dimensional and multi-layered” nature of the alleged offences.

According to the court’s findings, material on record suggests that after allegedly altering the victim’s name, the accused intended to send her to Malaysia. The court said this aspect raised questions that required deeper investigation, including possible wider networks behind the alleged actions.

The judge also stated that while individuals have the constitutional right to follow and choose their religion, it does not permit any form of coercion or psychological manipulation.

Bail plea rejected despite pregnancy claim

Khan had sought pre-arrest bail, citing her three-month pregnancy. However, the court rejected the plea, stating that granting bail at this stage could obstruct the investigation.

The court noted that her role was clearly mentioned in the FIR and that evidence indicated active involvement in the alleged incidents.

What the FIR alleges

The case, registered at Deolali police station, names Khan along with two colleagues, Danish Shaikh and Tausif, all working at TCS’s Nashik unit.

The FIR includes serious charges such as:

  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual intercourse under false promise of marriage
  • Religious coercion
  • Hurting religious sentiments
  • Offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

Police allege that Shaikh sexually assaulted the victim under a false promise of marriage, while Tausif repeatedly harassed her and threatened to expose her personal relationship.

Khan, along with the co-accused, is accused of pressuring the victim to adopt religious practices and influencing her personal identity.

According to prosecution submissions, the victim was allegedly made to follow specific religious practices and routines. It was also argued that she was given religious books, a burqa, and mobile applications related to religious teachings.

The prosecution further claimed that there were discussions about changing the victim’s name to “Haniya” and sending her to Malaysia, which the court took note of while assessing the seriousness of the allegations.

Defense arguments and victim’s stand

Khan’s lawyer argued that she and the victim were colleagues and that there was regular interaction at the workplace. The defence denied allegations of religious offence or coercion and said no wrongdoing had been committed.

The victim’s legal representatives, however, alleged that the accused misused their workplace positions to pressure her into following their beliefs, humiliated her in office settings, and subjected her to caste-based insults.

Court stresses need for custodial interrogation

The court stated that the allegations suggested a deliberate and organised attempt to influence the victim, making custodial interrogation necessary to uncover the full extent of the case, including possible external links.

"The alleged offence seems to be a systematic plan of brainwashing of the victim with organised attempts," the court stated.

It also observed that granting anticipatory bail could interfere with the investigation process.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating nine related cases involving allegations of harassment, coercion, religious offence, and mental abuse at the TCS Nashik unit.

So far, eight people, including a female operations manager, have been arrested in connection with the broader investigation.

TCS responds to allegations

TCS has stated that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion in the workplace. The company also confirmed that employees found involved in alleged misconduct have been suspended.

With PTI inputs