AIMIM Corporator Arrested for Aiding Accused in TCS Harassment Case
Mumbai Police Crack Down on Alleged Harassment Case
Mumbai: Authorities have arrested an AIMIM corporator, Matin Patel, for allegedly providing shelter to Nida Khan, who is implicated in a serious case of sexual harassment and religious coercion at TCS, according to police reports released on Friday.
The Nashik police revealed that Patel's prolonged interrogation led to Khan's capture during a coordinated police operation on Thursday.
Patel is accused of harboring Khan, a significant suspect in a case involving nine female employees at the IT giant's facility, as stated by an official.
Khan was taken into custody in the Naregaon region of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, as confirmed by Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik.
Karnik noted that the local police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, led by Commissioner Pravin Pawar, assisted Nashik city police in locating Khan.
During the operation, Karnik explained that the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police successfully tracked Khan's whereabouts.
Acting on a tip-off, Pawar summoned Patel and others under the guise of discussing security arrangements for the recent civic elections, according to a senior official.
Upon Patel's arrival at the police security branch, he was interrogated by Pawar, who, after extensive questioning, managed to extract information about Khan and her family's location.
Subsequently, police teams from both cities executed searches at a residence in Naregaon, resulting in Khan's arrest.
Khan's family members, including her father Ejaj Bashir (52), mother Nilofar Ejaj (44), brother Mohammad Ejaj (20), and aunt Noorjehan Sheikh Ali (44), were also present at the location.
Previously, the special investigation team (SIT) of the Nashik police had apprehended eight individuals, including a female operations manager, following the registration of nine FIRs related to allegations of exploitation, forced conversion attempts, and harassment of female employees at the TCS unit.
The FIR indicates that Khan allegedly instructed female employees to conform to Islamic customs in their attire and behavior.
Several complainants have claimed they faced pressure to adopt religious practices, such as praying, altering dietary choices, and embracing religious symbols.
In addition to charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment and defamation, Khan has been charged under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as one of the complainants belongs to a Scheduled Caste.
On April 18, Khan sought anticipatory bail from the Nashik court, requesting protection from arrest due to her pregnancy. However, her plea was denied on May 2.
TCS has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment and coercion, confirming that the employees implicated in the alleged misconduct at the Nashik office have been suspended.