The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sexual exploitation, religious coercion and conversion-related allegations linked to the Nashik branch of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has brought former AIMIM Member of Parliament Imtiaz Jaleel under the spotlight after his name appeared in a recently filed chargesheet.
According to details emerging from the investigation, Jaleel’s name surfaced during the questioning of AIMIM corporator Matin Patel, who has been accused of providing shelter to Nida Khan, one of the key accused in the case.
Matin Patel repeatedly referred investigators to Jaleel
Investigators questioned Matin Patel regarding the whereabouts and movements of Nida Khan, who was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 7. During interrogation by the Crime Branch, Patel allegedly repeatedly referred officers to former MP Imtiaz Jaleel whenever questions regarding Khan were raised.
According to reports, Patel frequently responded, “You will have to ask Imtiaz Jaleel Saheb.”
The repeated references have reportedly attracted the attention of investigators, who are now examining whether Jaleel possessed any information relevant to the ongoing probe.
Allegations of sheltering key accused
Police have alleged that Nida Khan was provided refuge in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar while she was absconding. Investigators claim that AIMIM corporator Matin Patel sheltered Khan despite being aware of the legal proceedings against her.
Patel was questioned for nearly nine hours on May 25 and was summoned again on June 1 as part of the expanding investigation.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown connected to the case. Earlier, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation carried out demolition action against structures allegedly built in violation of rules at properties linked to Matin Patel.
Political row over demolition
The demolition action triggered a political confrontation between former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel and Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat.
Defending Patel at the time, Jaleel questioned the manner in which the demolition was carried out and argued that Patel’s family should not have suffered for alleged actions attributed to the corporator.
Addressing the issue, Jaleel had stated, “Why did they summon forces at around six in the morning to demolish Matin Patel’s home? Was there a threat to the country? If Patel made a mistake, it was done by one person. What was his family’s fault?”
He further asserted that Patel’s residence would be rebuilt and said that his elderly parents, wife and children bore no responsibility for the controversy.
SIT may summon former MP
Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that police may soon summon Imtiaz Jaleel for questioning based on references contained in the chargesheet and statements recorded from witnesses during the course of the probe.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether any formal notice has been issued, but investigators are reportedly examining all links and communications connected to the accused persons named in the case.
The Nashik Police SIT is currently investigating nine separate cases arising from allegations made by employees associated with the TCS-linked unit in Nashik.
The investigation has expanded significantly over the past several weeks, with multiple accused named across various FIRs. Among those accused are Nida Khan and several others who are alleged to have been involved in acts ranging from sexual exploitation and harassment to religious coercion. The allegations are currently under judicial scrutiny, and the accused have denied wrongdoing.
The SIT continues to record witness statements and analyse evidence as part of what has become one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched investigations involving workplace misconduct and alleged religious influence networks.
