TCS Nashik case: Accused woman cites pregnancy in anticipatory bail plea; custody of 2 male accused extended

A woman employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik, accused in a case involving alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment of colleagues, on Saturday moved an anticipatory bail plea citing her two-month-old pregnancy, officials told Press Trust of India. In a related development, a court extended the police remand of two other accused till April 20 to allow further investigation.

The accused woman, identified as Nida Khan, has sought relief ahead of possible arrest. Her application will be heard by a sessions court in Nashik on Monday. The plea states that the offences invoked against her carry a punishment of less than seven years.

Khan’s lawyer rejected the charges, arguing that she cannot be accused of outraging the modesty of other women.


Nashik Police Commissioner Sandip Karnik said Khan is named in only one case related to alleged religious harassment at the IT firm’s unit.

Search operations underway

Police have launched a search to trace Khan, with a Crime Branch team stationed in Mumbra in Thane district. Officials said her husband was questioned about her whereabouts.

Investigators suspect she may have shifted her base to evade arrest. While her husband reportedly told police she had gone to a relative’s house, the location was found locked. The mobile phones of both Khan and the relative were switched off.

Remand of two accused extended

In a related development, a court extended the police remand of two accused, Raza Memon, 35, and Shafi Sheikh, 36, till April 20 to enable further investigation.

The two were produced before a magistrate after their earlier remand ended on Saturday. They were re-arrested in a related case earlier this week. Police sought additional custody to identify and question key witnesses and gather further evidence.

The prosecution told the court that the accused had allegedly committed acts with religious motives against colleagues and required detailed interrogation due to the scope of the case. It also said both men are habitual offenders with multiple cases registered against them at Mumbai Naka police station in Nashik.

Investigators said custody is required for technical analysis of their mobile phones and to trace eyewitnesses. Defence counsel, however, opposed extended police custody, arguing that technical evidence does not require physical remand and sought judicial custody instead.

Multiple arrests, SIT probe

So far, eight employees of the TCS unit, including seven men and one female operations manager, have been arrested, while Khan remains absconding. Other accused are currently in judicial custody.

A Special Investigation Team is probing nine cases linked to allegations including exploitation, attempted forced conversion, hurting religious sentiments, molestation and mental harassment of women employees.

TCS clarifies role, initiates probe

TCS clarified that Khan is a process associate and not an HR manager, as reported in some sections, and that she has never held a leadership role.

The company reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion, adding that employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at the Nashik office have been suspended.

Internal review and oversight

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran termed the allegations “gravely concerning and anguishing” and said a comprehensive internal investigation is underway.

TCS said a preliminary review of its ethics and POSH channels found no complaints of the nature alleged. The company has also set up an oversight panel and engaged external entities to support its internal probe.