The investigation into the corporate jihad, conversion and harassment case involving employees linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has taken a new turn, with investigators now examining claims that victims were encouraged or pressured to read a book on the life of Prophet Muhammad as part of a broader pattern of religious influence and indoctrination.
According to sources familiar with the ongoing probe, a book titled The Life of Muhammad, authored by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui, has emerged as a point of interest for investigators seeking to understand the methods allegedly employed by the accused individuals in the case.
Police Examine Pattern of Religious Influence
Investigators are currently examining statements made by several complainants who reportedly informed police that they had been asked to read The Life of Muhammad during their interactions with the accused.
The development comes amid an extensive investigation into allegations that a group of individuals, including Nida Khan and Danish, allegedly targeted vulnerable women, cultivated close relationships with them, and gradually introduced them to Islamic religious practices before allegedly pressuring them toward conversion.
Sources associated with the investigation told media outlets that some victims specifically referred to the book while recounting the sequence of events that unfolded during their interactions with the accused.
Police officials are now attempting to determine the exact circumstances under which the book was provided and whether reading it was merely suggested or allegedly presented as an expectation within the broader relationship-building process.
The inquiry forms part of a wider effort to establish whether a structured pattern of religious influence was employed over an extended period.
Nida Khan Under Scrutiny
At the centre of the investigation is Nida Khan, who investigators believe may have played a significant role in establishing relationships with women who later emerged as complainants in the case.
According to allegations being examined by police, Khan allegedly befriended women employees and gradually introduced them to various Islamic customs and practices. Investigators are assessing claims that victims were encouraged to alter their attire, adopt religious customs, and participate in activities aimed at familiarising them with Islamic traditions.
Officials are also examining allegations that some women were taught how to perform namaz and were encouraged to follow specific religious observances.
Earlier stages of the investigation had already focused on allegations that victims were allegedly persuaded to participate in religious gatherings and prayer meetings. The emergence of the book-related claim has added another dimension to the inquiry, prompting investigators to evaluate whether religious literature was also used as part of the alleged influence process.
Digital Trail, Messages and Documents Examined
Police have intensified scrutiny of electronic devices, chat records, social media conversations and digital communications recovered during the course of the investigation.
Investigators are reportedly examining messages exchanged between the accused and complainants to establish whether discussions related to religious conversion, religious instruction, or distribution of religious literature took place.
Officials are also reviewing documentary evidence and witness testimonies to verify claims made by victims.
The digital evidence is expected to play a crucial role in determining the nature of interactions between the accused and complainants and whether the allegations are supported by independent corroborative material.
Sources indicate that investigators are carefully mapping timelines, communication patterns and meetings to establish whether the alleged activities were isolated incidents or part of a broader organised effort.
Victim Statements Being Cross-Verified
Police officials have maintained that all allegations remain under investigation and that no final conclusions have been reached.
Statements recorded from complainants and witnesses are currently being cross-verified with available documentary and digital evidence. Investigators are seeking to establish the consistency of accounts provided by multiple individuals while identifying common patterns that may have emerged across different testimonies.
Officials have emphasised that the investigation remains at a sensitive stage and that every allegation is being independently verified before any determination is made regarding criminal liability.
The focus, according to investigators, remains on collecting objective evidence capable of substantiating or disproving the claims made by the complainants.
Case Draws Widespread Attention
The Nashik TCS employee harassment and alleged conversion case has attracted significant public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the profile of the workplace involved.
Over recent weeks, investigators have examined multiple aspects of the case, including allegations of religious coercion, psychological influence, organised grooming, and attempts to induce religious conversion.
The latest claims surrounding The Life of Muhammad have further expanded the scope of the inquiry, with police now attempting to determine whether religious literature was systematically used during interactions between the accused and the complainants.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to continue examining digital evidence, witness statements and recovered materials to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events under scrutiny.
Police have reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and that conclusions will be based on verified evidence gathered during the course of the probe.
