An All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator, identified as Mateen Patel, has been named an accused in connection with the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case at a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) unit in Nashik, Maharashtra. Police have accused Patel of providing refuge to Nida Khan, a key suspect in the case, and her family in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The development follows the arrest of Nida Khan on Thursday, May 7, in a joint police operation. According to Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Patel has been implicated for allegedly sheltering Khan, who is a central figure in the racket that reportedly targeted nine female employees at the IT major’s Nashik unit. The alleged offenses include religious coercion and sexual harassment.
Details of the TCS Nashik Case
The investigation into the TCS Nashik BPO unit has uncovered a series of serious allegations spanning from 2022 to early 2026. Reports indicate that several employees faced sexual harassment, mental abuse, and forced religious conversion to Islam. Multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered by the Nashik Police, with nine FIRs filed in total. These FIRs detail allegations of forced prayer, coercion to consume non-vegetarian food, insults directed at religious beliefs, molestation, and rape on the pretext of marriage.
The alleged incidents primarily targeted Hindu employees, with accusations that they were pressured to adopt Islamic practices, wear skull caps, and recite religious verses. Victims also reported being subjected to mental harassment, including mockery over personal issues and threats of blackmail. Some reports suggest that the accused, including team leaders and engineers within the company, allegedly misused their positions to harass the victims.
Investigation and Arrests
The Nashik Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. As part of the investigation, six female police officers were deployed undercover within the TCS facility for approximately 40 days to gather evidence and corroborate the claims. Authorities have arrested seven employees, including several team leaders and an Assistant General Manager, in connection with the case. The HR manager for the Nashik office has been sought by the police.
The SIT investigation has also highlighted an alleged failure of the facility’s internal grievance mechanisms. The police reported that an Assistant General Manager was arrested for allegedly ignoring a verbal complaint, thereby failing to trigger mandatory POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) protocols. TCS has suspended the accused employees and initiated its own investigation, affirming a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.
While the Nashik police’s probe is currently focused on the nine FIRs related to sexual and religious harassment, other agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are reportedly examining other alleged links to the case.
Role of Corporator Mateen Patel
Corporator Mateen Patel, belonging to the AIMIM party, has been named as an accused for allegedly assisting Nida Khan. Police stated that sustained questioning of Patel led to Khan’s arrest. He is accused of providing refuge to Khan, a key suspect in the alleged racket. The police indicated that their investigation would identify all individuals who may have harbored the accused or hindered the legal process. Patel has not been arrested as of Friday, but he has been issued a notice. The case has also seen a plea filed in the Supreme Court, seeking suo motu cognizance of the matter, which has been described as an organized campaign and a potential threat to national security.
The Chenab Times News Desk