A court in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on Monday (July 6) granted bail to TCS employee Nida Khan in one of the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion cases linked to the company’s office in the city. The order came nearly two months after her arrest in a case that is part of a larger Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into multiple complaints filed by women employees.
Additional Sessions Judge K.G. Joshi of the Nashik Road Court allowed Khan’s bail application while rejecting the plea filed by co-accused Danish Shaikh. The court reportedly considered Khan’s pregnancy among the factors while granting her relief.
The case forms part of a wider investigation involving allegations of sexual exploitation, attempted religious conversion, harassment and coercion at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) facility in Nashik.
Court Grants Relief to Nida Khan
Khan’s bail plea was argued by advocate Rahul Kasliwal. The application was opposed by Public Prosecutor Vijay Gaikwad along with lawyers representing the complainant, Milind Kurkute and Nitin Pandit.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court granted bail to Khan. However, it declined to extend similar relief to Danish Shaikh, who remains in judicial custody.
The detailed conditions attached to the bail order are yet to be made public.
Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Conversion Attempts
According to the prosecution, the investigation has uncovered material suggesting sexual exploitation and attempts at religious coercion involving the complainant, who was employed at the same TCS office.
Investigators alleged that Danish Shaikh provided the complainant with an Islamic religious book and a burqa as part of an effort to influence her to convert her faith.
The prosecution further claimed that the accused were aware that the woman belonged to a Scheduled Caste and allegedly attempted to pressure her into religious conversion while subjecting her to sexual exploitation and mental harassment.
The allegations form the basis of charges invoked under various provisions of criminal law as well as special legislation meant to protect members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
FIR Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The case was registered at Deolali Camp Police Station in Nashik under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The FIR includes charges under Section 69 relating to sexual intercourse through deceitful means, Section 65 concerning sexual harassment and Section 299 pertaining to acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
In addition, both accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police officials have stated that the investigation is continuing and additional evidence is being examined as part of the ongoing probe.
Part of Larger SIT Investigation
The case involving Nida Khan and Danish Shaikh is one of nine FIRs currently being investigated by a Special Investigation Team constituted by the Nashik Police.
The SIT was formed following complaints by several women employees who alleged a pattern of sexual exploitation, attempted forced religious conversion, molestation, harassment and psychological pressure at the TCS office in Nashik.
Officials are examining whether the individual complaints reveal a broader pattern of misconduct involving multiple accused persons.
The investigation has attracted significant public attention in Maharashtra due to the number of complaints and the serious nature of the allegations.
TCS Suspends Accused Employees
Following the emergence of the allegations and registration of the cases, Tata Consultancy Services issued a statement reiterating its commitment to workplace safety.
The company said it maintains a long-standing zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, discrimination and coercive behaviour of any kind.
TCS also confirmed that employees named in the sexual harassment cases linked to its Nashik office have been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
The company has stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement authorities and will continue to support the legal process.
Investigation Continues
With the court granting bail to Nida Khan and rejecting the application of Danish Shaikh, the focus now shifts to the ongoing SIT investigation into all nine cases linked to the Nashik office.
Police officials have indicated that witness statements, digital evidence and documentary records are being scrutinised as investigators attempt to establish the full extent of the allegations.
The outcome of the wider probe is expected to determine whether further arrests, charges or legal proceedings will follow in what has become one of the most closely watched workplace misconduct investigations in Maharashtra.
