Nashik TCS Case: Accused Nida Khan Arrested after 25-Day manhunt

New Delhi: The police have arrested Nida Khan, an absconding accused in the Nashik Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) case. Nida Khan is accused not only of hurting religious sentiments but also of aiding the prime accused and being involved in serious offenses, such as sexual exploitation. A special team of the Nashik Police had been searching for Nida Khan for the past 25 days. To evade arrest, Nida Khan had attempted to secure anticipatory bail but was unsuccessful. She had sought anticipatory bail on the grounds of her pregnancy.

While rejecting the anticipatory bail plea, the court observed that it appeared there was a premeditated conspiracy to brainwash the victim (a company employee) and send her to Malaysia. Acting on technical intelligence, the police have now arrested the accused, Nida Khan, from the Naregaon area in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The police have since departed with the female accused for Nashik to conduct further interrogation.

What Are Allegations Against Nida Khan?

The prosecution (SIT) and the victim's lawyers have made startling revelations in court. TCS official Nida Khan is accused of providing the victim with a *burqa* and religious books, as well as having Islamic religious applications installed on her mobile phone. The investigation revealed that the victim's name was to be changed to 'Haniya,' and preparations were underway to send her to Malaysia. The police are currently investigating whether an international syndicate is involved in this matter.

Advocates M.G. Kurkute and Nitin Pandit, appearing on behalf of the victim, argued that the accused misused their official positions within the company to coerce the victim into adopting their religion. Furthermore, by hurting her religious sentiments, they forced her to consume non-vegetarian food and subjected her to humiliation regarding her caste while at the workplace. The prime accused, Danish Sheikh, faces charges of rape under the pretext of marriage, while Tausif is accused of blackmailing the victim to pressure her into engaging in sexual acts, as well as molestation.

Were 4 Employees Sent to Judicial Custody Until May 18?

It is noteworthy that a court in Nashik, on Tuesday, remanded four key accused in this case to judicial custody until May 18. The accused have been identified as Raza Rafiq Memon, Tausif Bilal Attar, Danish Shaikh, and Shahrukh Hussain Shaukat Qureshi. In connection with this case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had taken the accused into custody on April 23 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Prior to this, they had been remanded to police custody until May 5. Following the expiration of their custody period on Tuesday, they were produced before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate S.V. Lad. During the hearing, the prosecution sought judicial custody for the accused. Acceding to this request, the court remanded all four accused to judicial custody until May 18.

It is pertinent to mention that the SIT is currently investigating nine cases registered in connection with the exploitation of female employees at TCS, attempts at forced religious conversion, hurting religious sentiments, molestation, and mental harassment. The SIT has arrested eight individuals in this case, including a female Operations Manager.

Did TCS Take a Firm Stand?

IT giant TCS has clarified its stance regarding its corporate image and work culture, asserting that it does not tolerate any form of harassment or coercion. Following the implication of its employees in this case, the company has suspended the accused employees with immediate effect and is extending its full cooperation to the ongoing investigation.