A Nagpur-based NGO, Universal Multipurpose Society, which claims to work for underprivileged children, is under intense scrutiny after police registered an FIR against its president, Riyaz Fazil Qazi, for alleged sexual harassment, religious coercion, and cyberstalking of female employees. The case has now widened with multiple complaints and a parallel probe by intelligence agencies.
Multiple Women Approach Police with Serious Allegations
On April 18, at least four out of five female employees approached the Nagpur Police and filed complaints against Qazi. The women accused him not only of sexual misconduct but also of attempting to impose religious beliefs and practices on them. The accused was arrested following the complaint at Mankapur police station, and was later produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until April 23.
Sexual Harassment Claims and CCTV Tampering
One of the complainants, a 23-year-old woman who worked as head of administration and HR since September 2023, alleged repeated harassment by Qazi. According to her statement, he would call her into his cabin, switch off CCTV cameras, and engage in inappropriate physical contact.
She alleged that he hugged her without consent, kissed her forehead, and made suggestive remarks. She further claimed that fear of losing her job prevented her from resisting or reporting the incidents earlier. Other women also alleged similar patterns of behaviour, including unwanted touching and attempts to isolate them in private spaces.
Allegations of Religious Coercion Inside Workplace
The complainants have also accused Qazi of forcing religious practices upon employees. According to statements given to police, women were allegedly pressured to:
* Offer namaz (Islamic prayers)
* Observe roza (fasting during Ramadan)
* Recite duas (religious supplications)
* Use greetings like “Khuda Hafiz”
They further claimed they were discouraged from following their own religious or traditional practices. In one instance, a complainant’s sister, who joined the NGO as an assistant project manager, was allegedly instructed to wear attire covering her entire body and recite prayers before field visits.
Police, however, have stated that no direct evidence of religious conversion has been established so far, though the angle is under investigation.
Fake Social Media Accounts and Surveillance Allegations
The women have accused Qazi of creating fake social media profiles to monitor the movements and activities of female staff members. According to the FIR, one such account was allegedly created using a combination of names to track employees. Authorities have seized the accused’s mobile phone and are examining digital evidence, including social media activity, call records, and electronic communications.
Senior Inspector Harish Kalsekar of Mankapur police stated that Qazi’s conduct created a hostile work environment, forcing several employees to resign.
“In one instance, after a girl quit her job, the accused called her mother and made derogatory remarks. He made false statements about the character of the other girls and advised her not to let her daughter associate with them,” Kalsekar said.
The complainants also alleged that Qazi used abusive language, referring to them as “call girls” and “prostitutes,” and attempted to socially isolate them.
NGO Operations and Wider Investigation
The Universal Multipurpose Society, located near Mankapur, claims to have been operating since 2010 and is involved in social work such as health camps, educational programs, and support for children in slum areas.
Following the allegations, intelligence agencies and the state Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have initiated a parallel investigation into the NGO’s financial dealings, background, and possible external links.
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage, audio recordings, witness testimonies, and other evidence as part of the probe.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Probe
Qazi has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty, sexual harassment and obscene acts, as well as stalking and defamation. In addition, he has been charged under Section 66-B of the Information Technology Act for the alleged misuse of digital platforms. Officials have confirmed that at least three women have formally filed complaints so far, and more are likely to come forward as the investigation continues.
TCS Nashik Case Raises Alarms
The Nagpur case has emerged shortly after a separate controversy at a TCS BPO facility in Nashik, where allegations surfaced of a group of team leaders engaging in sexual harassment and pressuring employees into religious conversion. While investigations in both cases are ongoing and independent, the similarities in the allegations, particularly regarding workplace exploitation and coercion, have raised broader concerns about employee safety, misuse of authority, and a lack of oversight in certain organisational setups.
With the accused in custody until April 23, authorities are continuing their probe from multiple angles, including possible financial irregularities and digital evidence trails. Police have indicated that more victims may come forward in the coming days, potentially expanding the scope of the case further.
