02 May,2026 11:04 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
So far, eight individuals, including a female operations manager, have been arrested in connection with the case. Representational Pic/File
A court in Nashik on Saturday rejected the anticipatory bail application of Nida Khan, an employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), in connection with a case involving allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversion at the company's unit in the district, reported the PTI.
The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation of Khan was necessary, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Public prosecutor Ajay Misar said the court found merit in the prosecution's submissions.
"The offence is serious, and the accused is one of the prime suspects. Her custodial interrogation is required," he told reporters, adding that the detailed order is expected to be uploaded soon.
According to the FIR, Khan allegedly advised women employees to dress and behave in accordance with Islamic traditions.
She had sought pre-arrest bail on the grounds of her pregnancy.
Police had earlier said that efforts were underway to trace her at various locations across Maharashtra, the news agency reported.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Nashik Police is currently investigating nine cases of alleged sexual harassment involving female employees at the TCS unit, according to the PTI.
So far, eight individuals, including a female operations manager, have been arrested in connection with the case, with nine FIRs registered.
Tata Consultancy Services had earlier stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or coercion.
Meanwhile, the court extended the police custody of four other accused - Raza Rafiq Memon (35), Tausif Bilal Attar (37), Danish Ejaz Sheikh (32), and Shahrukh Husain Shaukat Qureshi (34) - till May 5, according to the PTI.
The four were initially detained by the SIT on April 23 and have since been produced before the court multiple times, with their custody extended to allow further investigation.
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to sexual harassment, acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, and deliberate actions aimed at outraging religious sentiments, reported PTI.
The prosecution informed the court that additional custody was required as the investigation is ongoing and more evidence needs to be gathered.
(with PTI inputs)
