Accused tried to influence survivor’s religion, change her name, and lure her with overseas job offer
Fresh details have emerged in the ongoing probe into the harassment case at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), with investigators examining claims of attempted religious conversion and coercion.
According to sources, the prime accused, Nida Khan, a former process associate at TCS, allegedly attempted to influence a survivor to change her religion and even her name. She is accused of hurting religious sentiments and intimidating the survivor, officials said.
Given that the survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste, provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked.
Allegations of coercion and influence
Sources said Khan allegedly provided the survivor with a burqa and religious books, which have since been seized by police. Investigators are trying to determine their origin.
She is also accused of installing religious applications on the survivor’s phone and sharing online content in an attempt to influence her beliefs.
In addition, Khan allegedly took possession of the survivor’s educational documents and pressured her to change her name to “Haniya”. Sources claimed that contacts in Malegaon may have been involved in facilitating the process.
A court recently denied Khan interim protection from arrest after she cited pregnancy. She remains absconding.
Malaysia job angle under probe
Investigators are also looking into claims that the survivor was lured with a job opportunity in Malaysia as part of a broader plan. Sources said the offer involved working for an individual identified as Imran.
Police are seeking to recover Khan’s mobile phone to gather digital evidence and are probing whether financial support was involved or if others aided her while she was on the run.
Other allegations and multiple complaints
Khan’s brother, Danish Sheikh, is among seven suspects arrested in the case. He has been accused of sexually exploiting a survivor under the pretext of marriage, despite already being married.
Another accused, Tausif Bilal Attar, faces allegations of molestation and intimidation. He is accused of coercing a survivor into sexual acts by threatening to reveal private information to her family.
So far, seven women and one man have filed complaints, leading to eight separate cases. Police believe more individuals may have been targeted.
Seven accused are currently in custody, while Khan remains absconding. TCS has suspended those involved after the allegations came to light.
Conclusion
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on digital evidence, financial links and potential wider involvement as they attempt to uncover the full scope of the case.
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