A local court in Nashik on Monday declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan, an accused in the alleged sexual harassment and religious coercion case at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services, and directed the police to file their response to her anticipatory bail plea by April 27, reported PTI.
Court defers interim relief, seeks responses
During the hearing, Additional Sessions Judge K.G. Joshi did not pass any order on Khan’s request for interim protection from arrest. The court instead asked the police and the complainant to submit their replies before taking a decision on her anticipatory bail application, reported PTI.
Khan had approached the court seeking protection from arrest, citing her pregnancy and requesting relief until her bail plea is heard.
SIT intensifies search across Maharashtra
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Nashik police has launched a search operation to trace Khan across different parts of Maharashtra. Officials confirmed that multiple teams are working to locate her as part of the ongoing investigation, reported PTI.
The SIT is probing a series of complaints linked to alleged harassment and misconduct at the company’s Nashik office.
Multiple FIRs filed, eight accused arrested
So far, the police have registered nine FIRs in connection with the case, involving allegations of molestation, harassment, attempted forced religious practices, and mental abuse of female employees, reported PTI.
Eight individuals, including a female operations manager, have already been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.
Serious allegations of coercion and harassment
According to the complaints, the accused allegedly targeted employees through a messaging group, pressuring them to follow specific religious practices, including prayer and dietary changes, reported PTI.
Some victims have claimed they were asked to alter their dress and behaviour in line with particular traditions, and were subjected to repeated mental harassment.
Authorities have also invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, reported PTI.
However, the defence has argued that there is no evidence of caste-based insults, and therefore the provisions of the SC/ST Act should not apply in this case.
Additional accused remanded to judicial custody
In a related development, a magistrate court remanded two other accused, Raza Rafiq Memon and Shafi Bikhan Sheikh, to 14-day judicial custody. Other arrested individuals remain behind bars as the investigation continues.
Company reiterates zero-tolerance policy
Meanwhile, Tata Consultancy Services stated that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or coercion. The company has suspended the employees allegedly involved in the case pending the outcome of the investigation, reported PTI.
Next hearing scheduled for April 27
The court is expected to hear the anticipatory bail plea after reviewing responses from the police and the complainant. The case continues to draw attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of a major corporate workplace.
(With inputs from PTI)
