TCS row: Probe deepens as accused seek bail
Adding a new twist to the sensational TCS Nashik sexual harassment and forcible conversion scandal, the parents of key accused Nida Khan have branded the case a ‘fake and politically motivated’ conspiracy designed to deflect attention from the explosive arrest of self-styled Nashik godman Ashok Kharat. They insisted their daughter never interacted with complainants, never pushed conversions and his family respects all faiths.
Nida Khan, identified by Nashik Police as HR manager and one of two masterminds alongside Tausif Attar, has now moved a Nashik court for anticipatory bail, claiming she is pregnant with her first child. Her family says she is staying at her in-laws’ home in Bhiwandi, Mumbai. She is not on the run and her husband was detained only for questioning. They maintained Nida worked as a processing associate/tele caller, not HR head. Charges against are fabricated to shield Kharat, who faces multiple rape, extortion and black-magic allegations.
However, the Nashik City Police paint a far grimmer picture.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by ACP Sandeep Mitkar, investigating nine FIRs, has uncovered a four-year Module (between 2022 to early 2026) targeting young Hindu women at TCS’s Nashik BPO unit. Allegations include sexual harassment, blackmail, stalking, pressure to convert to Islam, derogatory remarks against Hindu deities, forced non-vegetarian meals and beef consumption, mandatory Namaz and lifestyle changes such as removing photos of Hindu deities. One male employee, alleged and accused, told him to “send your wife” if he wanted a child.
SIT has described Nida Khan as the link who suppressed complaints despite sitting on the Internal Complaints Committee and trained victims in Islamic practices.
SIT is investigating financial links, digital footprints and possible external funding. CCTV cameras from a resort where the alleged assault took place have been confiscated by the SIT.
Eight people, including team leaders Asif Ansari, Shafi Sheikh, Raza Memon, Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar and one Ashwini Ashok Chainani, the Head of Operations at the TCS Nashik office, have been arrested. A local court has remanded two accused in police custody till April 18. Nida Khan remains the ninth accused listed as absconding by police, though her family disputes this. The SIT is also examining possible funding links and POSH Act lapses at TCS.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the media in Kolkata on Friday, termed it extremely serious and done under a module. He vowed, “We will bust the module. No one will be spared,” and confirmed the state has sought assistance from central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to trace wider trafficking or organised crime angles. He lauded TCS top management for its commendable zero-tolerance response, immediate suspension of the accused, internal probe and strengthening grievance mechanisms.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has termed the allegations ‘gravely concerning’. TCS has launched a full internal inquiry under COO Arathi Subramanian and reiterated its commitment to a safe workplace.
The sensational case, which began with a February complaint about a woman observing fast during Ramzan, has now triggered a Supreme Court plea seeking curbs on deceitful conversions. As the SIT deepens its probe and more victims are expected to come forward, Nida Khan’s bail plea and her family’s conspiracy theory have added fresh political heat.
With central agencies stepping in and the parallel Kharat probe gaining momentum through ED raids, authorities are racing to determine whether the Nashik BPO scandal was an isolated workplace racket or part of a larger conspiracy. Sources said that the developments are being closely monitored as investigators race to establish the full extent of the module and its motive.
