TCS Nashik case: Absconding accused Nida Khan seeks bail, says she’s pregnant

The controversy surrounding alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Nashik BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services has deepened, with key accused Nida Khan reportedly moving a court for anticipatory bail while investigators continue efforts to trace her.

Nida Khan, 25, who has been described by police as an “absconding mastermind” in the case, is currently in Mumbai and expecting her first child, according to her family. Her legal team is expected to cite her medical condition as a key ground for seeking protection from arrest. Authorities have said these claims will be verified through official medical channels.

SIT probe and multiple FIRs

The Nashik police have registered nine FIRs based on complaints from employees of the company’s BPO unit, alleging sexual assault, mental harassment, and religious coercion between February 2022 and March 2026. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case.

So far, seven employees — six men and a woman HR head — have been arrested and suspended. Police have identified them as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari, and Ashwini Chainani.

Also Read: TCS Nashik case: ‘Male accused operated like organised gang to target female colleagues’

Investigators allege that the accused operated in a coordinated manner, targeting junior employees. One complainant accused a senior colleague of repeated “rape” under the false promise of marriage, while others reported inappropriate touching, derogatory remarks, and coercion.

Police also said a male employee was allegedly forced to perform namaz and insult his religion.

Undercover operation uncovered allegations

The scale of the alleged misconduct came to light after a covert police operation. Acting on a tip-off, six women police officers worked undercover at the Nashik facility for 40 days, posing as employees to observe workplace behaviour.

Their findings corroborated initial complaints, leading to formal police action. The first FIR was filed on March 26 at the Devlali police station, triggering a cascade of additional complaints.

Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik said the accused appeared to function like an “organised gang”, misusing their authority within the company.

Family disputes allegations against Nida Khan

Nida’s family has strongly denied the allegations, claiming she is neither absconding nor a senior functionary. They contend that she worked as a tele-caller, not in human resources, and that viral claims portraying her as a HR head are fabricated.

Also Read: TCS Nashik case: Bank accounts of accused under police scanner

Her family also alleged digital harassment, and said no police team had approached them regarding her whereabouts. Nida, a commerce graduate pursuing an MBA, had moved to Mumbai earlier this year to be with her husband, according to her family.

Of the nine FIRs, she has been named in only one, related to alleged religious harassment.

Wider concerns and agencies involved

Investigators are also examining possible external links, including WhatsApp conversations suggesting overseas job offers. Given the potential implications, agencies such as the National Investigation Agency, state intelligence department, and anti-terrorism squad have been alerted.

The case has also drawn attention from the National Commission for Women, which has constituted a fact-finding committee, and has even reached the Supreme Court through a petition by an advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, a BJP leader, raising concerns over broader societal implications.

Company response

Responding to the allegations, Tata Consultancy Services reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.

Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran termed the allegations “gravely concerning and anguishing”, announcing an internal probe led by COO Arathi Subramanian.

Also Read: TCS Nashik suspends 7 staffers arrested in sexual harassment case

While the company maintains that it has a functional Internal Complaints Committee, police are now probing why victims allegedly felt discouraged from reporting abuse through official channels.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to locate Nida Khan and establish the full extent of the alleged network.