05 June,2026 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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A chargesheet filed in connection with the alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion case involving employees of Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) Nashik unit has revealed detailed allegations made by the complainant regarding psychological manipulation, religious influence and sexual exploitation by the accused.
The chargesheet, submitted before a Nashik court last week, forms part of an investigation into allegations made by a 23-year-old employee. Investigators have alleged that the accused followed a systematic plan to influence and target the complainant over an extended period.
According to the complainant's statement included in the chargesheet, she was encouraged by the accused to watch videos of various Islamic preachers and listen to religious lectures as part of an effort to influence her beliefs.
The woman told investigators that she was repeatedly advised to learn about Islam and was allegedly informed that embracing the faith would help reduce her mental stress and personal difficulties. Over time, she claimed, she began to accept some of the ideas presented to her.
The chargesheet states that the complainant was introduced to various religious concepts and practices and was encouraged to adopt them gradually. She alleged that discussions about religion became increasingly frequent and were linked to promises of emotional relief and personal well-being.
In her statement to police, the complainant alleged that one of the accused, Danish Shaikh, sexually exploited her on the pretext of marriage. She claimed that despite being married, he assured her that he would marry her and repeatedly asked her to trust him.
According to the chargesheet, the woman alleged that the accused discouraged her from visiting temples and listening to devotional songs associated with her faith. She further claimed that she was advised to engage in specific religious practices and prayers with assurances that doing so would reduce stress and improve her life.
Investigators have cited these allegations as part of what they describe as a pattern of psychological influence and emotional manipulation.
The complainant further alleged that the accused had access to her banking details, including information about her accounts and digital payment credentials. Investigators are examining the nature and extent of financial interactions between the parties as part of the broader probe.
The chargesheet also refers to allegations that other accused individuals regularly shared religious material and encouraged the complainant to watch online lectures and educational content related to Islam.
Apart from the three arrested accused - Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar and Nida Khan - the chargesheet names AIMIM corporator Matin Patel as an accused.
According to investigators, Patel allegedly provided shelter to Nida Khan after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected, despite being aware of the legal proceedings against her. The chargesheet claims that information regarding her whereabouts was eventually provided during questioning by police.
The Maharashtra government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after multiple women employees from the Nashik unit of TCS came forward with allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, attempted religious conversion, molestation, mental harassment and hurting religious sentiments.
While one case was registered at the Deolali Camp police station, several other FIRs have been lodged at Mumbai Naka police station in Nashik.
Some complainants have alleged that they were pressured to adopt specific religious practices, modify dietary habits and change aspects of their lifestyle. These allegations are currently under investigation, and the chargesheet reflects the claims made by complainants and findings gathered by investigators so far.
According to the chargesheet, statements of 106 witnesses have been recorded during the investigation. These include the complainant, her family members, TCS employees, members of the company's Internal Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework, management representatives and investigating officers.
The complainant's mother also alleged in her statement that her daughter was pressured to convert and was subjected to emotional and psychological influence over an extended period.
Tata Consultancy Services has stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment, coercion and workplace misconduct. The company has confirmed that employees accused in the case have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
