Nashik: Nida Khan, a key accused in the alleged sexual harassment and conversion case at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Nashik, has approached a local court seeking anticipatory bail, claiming that she is pregnant.
Khan, who has been absconding since the case came to light, is reportedly in Mumbai and has requested relief from the court citing medical grounds. Authorities said her claims will be verified through official medical examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
SIT intensifies search for absconding accused
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the cases has been attempting to trace Khan, who has remained untraceable since multiple complaints surfaced against her role in the case.
Investigators are examining her alleged failure to act on repeated complaints of sexual harassment made by female employees at the TCS BPO facility in Nashik. As a member of the Internal Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, Khan was responsible for addressing such grievances.
According to police, she had been working at the TCS branch since 2021 and was expected to ensure proper redressal of complaints.
Allegations of negligence and inaction
Several complainants have alleged that Khan discouraged them from escalating their complaints and failed to initiate any action despite being informed about repeated instances of harassment.
The FIRs indicate that internal complaint mechanisms may have failed, with both the HR function and senior officials allegedly neglecting serious allegations raised by employees.
Police officials said they are scrutinising internal records, complaint logs, and communications to determine whether there was deliberate negligence or systemic failure in handling the cases.
Multiple arrests in the case
So far, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari, and HR head Ashwini Chainani.
Police are currently investigating at least nine complaints linked to the case, which has triggered widespread concern over workplace safety and accountability.
Disturbing allegations by victims
The case has drawn national attention after several women employees came forward alleging harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and offensive remarks by colleagues.
Victims have reported instances of obscene language, sexually suggestive comments, and inappropriate physical contact. Some women also alleged that certain accused individuals made remarks about their appearance and personal lives, creating a hostile work environment.
In one complaint, a woman alleged that a colleague initiated a relationship under the false promise of marriage. Following her complaint, more women reportedly came forward with similar experiences.
Religious harassment claims surface
In addition to sexual harassment allegations, some complainants have accused the individuals of mocking religious practices. Victims claimed that employees were ridiculed for wearing traditional attire during festivals, while one accused allegedly targeted Hindu practices.
There are also claims that a male employee was pressured to perform religious rituals against his will, further intensifying the seriousness of the case.
Investigation into internal accountability
Police are also examining whether senior officials at the company failed to act on repeated complaints. According to investigators, one complainant alleged that even after raising concerns with higher authorities, no action was taken, effectively enabling the accused individuals.
Authorities are assessing whether there was active abetment or negligence by those responsible for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Conclusion
The TCS Nashik case has exposed serious concerns about workplace safety, internal grievance redressal mechanisms, and accountability within corporate environments. With Nida Khan seeking anticipatory bail and remaining absconding, the investigation is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Officials have emphasised that all claims, including Khan’s pregnancy, will be thoroughly verified as the SIT continues its probe into one of the most severe workplace misconduct cases in recent times.