04 May,2026 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nashik TCS case accused Nida Khan. Pic/ X
A court in Maharashtra has refused anticipatory bail to Nida Khan,, observing that there appeared to be a "systematic plan" to brainwash the victim and send her to Malaysia in the TCS conversion case involving alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion.
Rejecting the plea last week, the court said the case was "multi-dimensional and multi-layered", requiring custodial interrogation to ascertain the full extent of the alleged offence, news agency PTI reported.
In a detailed order that became available on Monday, Additional Sessions Judge KG Joshi noted that the evidence on record suggested the accused had changed the victim's name and planned to send her abroad.
"Prima facie, the applicant's role is clearly mentioned and her involvement is evident," the court observed, terming the bail plea "devoid of merits".
According to the FIR registered at Deolali police station, Khan and co-accused Danish Shaikh and Tausif, all colleagues of the victim at Tata Consultancy Services' Nashik unit, are accused of sexual harassment, coercion for religious conversion, and hurting religious sentiments.
Police alleged that Shaikh sexually assaulted the victim on the false promise of marriage, while Tausif repeatedly molested her and threatened to expose her personal relationship.
The FIR further states that the accused attempted to force the victim to convert to their religion by instilling fear and repeatedly offending her religious beliefs.
District Government Prosecutor AS Misar told the court that the victim was compelled to follow religious practices, including daily routines, and was given a burqa and religious literature.
Investigators also found that her name was to be changed and plans were in place to send her to Malaysia. The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to determine whether any international network was involved.
Khan's counsel argued that she and the victim were colleagues who interacted regularly and denied that the accused had hurt the victim's religious sentiments.
Citing Khan's three-month pregnancy, the defence argued that her arrest could cause irreparable harm.
The court noted that while individuals have the constitutional right to practise any religion, such rights cannot be misused through coercion or organised influence.
"The alleged offence appears to be a systematic plan of brainwashing of the victim," the court said, adding that granting anticipatory bail could hamper the investigation.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing nine cases linked to alleged exploitation, forced conversion attempts, molestation, and harassment of female employees at the Nashik unit.
So far, eight persons, including a female operations manager, have been arrested.
Tata Consultancy Services stated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion. The employees allegedly involved have been suspended.
(With PTI inputs)
