The Maharashtra government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged sexual exploitation and religious coercion case linked to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik, has uncovered fresh allegations from one of the complainants.
According to the latest chargesheet, a 23-year-old woman alleged that she was repeatedly encouraged to move away from Hindu religious practices and was introduced to Islamic teachings through videos of Pakistani and Indian Islamic preachers.
The woman, who is at the centre of one of the nine complaints being investigated, alleged that Danish Shaikh, one of the accused in the case, persuaded her to watch speeches by Pakistani cleric Tariq Jamil and controversial preacher Zakir Naik. The allegations form part of a chargesheet filed before the court by the SIT, which was constituted by the Maharashtra government after multiple women employees raised complaints of sexual exploitation, molestation, mental harassment and religious coercion.
Advice to abandon Hindu religious practices
According to the complainant’s statement recorded in the chargesheet, Danish Shaikh, who is married, established a close relationship with her on the promise of marriage and gradually attempted to influence her religious beliefs.
The chargesheet states that Shaikh told her: “Don’t be afraid, trust me, Allah is with us. Stop listening to Bhagwan songs and going to the temple; your stress will decrease.”
The woman further alleged that Shaikh advised her to recite Tasbeeh and seek forgiveness through Islamic prayers, claiming these practices would help reduce her mental stress and anxiety.
Investigators say the complainant also informed them that Shaikh directed co-accused Tausif Attar and Nida Khan to educate her about Islam and provide religious guidance.
Videos of Zakir Naik and Pakistani religious speakers
The woman alleged that Tausif Attar encouraged her to search for and watch videos of Zakir Naik and Pakistani Islamic scholar Dr Israr Ahmed on YouTube. Through these videos and discussions, she was introduced to various Islamic concepts, traditions and religious practices.
According to her statement, she was taught about concepts such as Jannat (heaven), Jahannum (hell), Qurbani (sacrifice), Bakri Eid and Zamzam water.
The complainant stated before investigators, “I was convinced that if I accepted the Islamic religion, my mental stress would decrease. I slowly started believing in those things.”
The chargesheet further alleges that Danish Shaikh had access to details of the woman’s bank accounts, including her UPI PIN, and was aware of the funds available in her accounts.
Probe expands beyond initial accused
The chargesheet filed in the Deolali Camp police station case names Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar and Nida Khan as accused. However, the SIT’s investigation has expanded significantly since the first complaint was registered.
The latest chargesheet also names AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, alleging that he provided shelter to Nida Khan while she was absconding despite being aware that her anticipatory bail application had been rejected.
The SIT’s first chargesheet, submitted in May, reportedly included statements from 106 witnesses, including the complainant, her mother, TCS employees, members of the company’s Internal POSH Committee and investigating officers.
Subsequently, the SIT filed a second set of chargesheets linked to eight FIRs registered at Mumbai Naka police station.
Among those named across the nine cases are Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar, Nida Khan, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari and Ashwini Ashok Chainani. All accused are currently in judicial custody.
Police records indicate that nine employees have filed separate complaints as part of the wider investigation.
Allegations against Nida Khan
According to the FIR, Nida Khan allegedly operated a WhatsApp group through which employees were encouraged to adopt Islamic practices. Investigators claim she pressured employees to offer prayers, consume non-vegetarian food and follow Islamic customs in dress and behaviour.
These allegations are currently under investigation, and the court is yet to determine their validity.
Meanwhile, a Nashik court has deferred hearings on the bail applications of Danish Shaikh, Nida Khan and Tausif Attar until June 12.
What TCS says?
Responding to the controversy, TCS has suspended employees named in the case and reiterated its commitment to employee welfare and workplace safety.
In a statement issued on April 17, TCS Chief Executive Officer K Krithivasan said, “TCS holds itself to the highest standards of employee welfare and institutional conduct. We remain fully committed to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every employee. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct.”
He further stated, “We are focused on supporting our employees and ensuring a safe and respectful workplace across all our locations. We continue to extend full cooperation to the law enforcement agencies so that the matter is investigated thoroughly, transparently and brought to a rightful conclusion.”
The Maharashtra SIT has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional evidence and witness statements are being examined as part of the wider probe.
