In a major development in the widening Nashik TCS case involving allegations of sexual exploitation, forced religious conversion, and workplace abuse, probe teams have indicated that absconding accused Nida Khan is suspected to have links with Red Fort bomb blast accused Dr. Shaheen Shahid, who is said to have been tasked with setting up the women’s wing of Jaish-e-Mohammed in India.
Investigators have said that both women are believed to have met in Delhi recently, and the possibility of connections to external agencies is now under active verification, as reported by Republic.
According to police sources, Nida Khan has been absconding since the beginning of the investigation and remains untraceable. She is believed to be hiding in Bhiwandi, Mumbai. Officials have stated that tracing her has become difficult due to the area’s dense population as well as her use of a burqa, which complicates identification. Authorities have also noted that Khan has deleted her entire digital footprint, further hampering efforts by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been deployed to track her down.
Sources have indicated that Nida Khan and Dr. Shaheen may be linked through an organisation they were associated with, though this angle is still being investigated. The probe in the TCS-linked case has intensified, with CCTV footage and bank accounts of all accused currently under detailed scrutiny. Investigators have said there is a strong possibility of links to external organisations, and this is being examined as a critical line of inquiry.
In a significant escalation, national agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are also said to be looking into the matter and are expected to assist the Nashik Police SIT in expanding the probe. Officials have stated that it remains to be established how and under what circumstances Nida Khan and Dr. Shaheen met, and what the nature of their association is.
Police sources have reiterated that Khan is believed to be hiding in Bhiwandi and remains untraceable. The challenge of identifying her has been compounded by the demographic and clothing patterns in the area, where many women wear burqas, making visual identification difficult.
Meanwhile, all accused in the case, including operations manager Ashwini Chenani, are expected to be produced before a Nashik court. Investigators are focusing on Chenani’s role in the alleged activities, which is expected to be a key aspect of the proceedings.
The emerging links between Nida Khan and Dr. Shaheen have raised concerns about the possible existence of wider organised networks. Observers have indicated that this could point to the presence of similar operations in other major sectors, suggesting that the current case may represent only a fraction of a larger pattern.
In parallel, industry-level responses have begun to emerge. Representatives from IT forums have stated that companies across the sector are being alerted to such incidents and urged to take immediate cognisance if employees report similar experiences. There are also concerns within the industry about reputational damage and the possibility of companies reconsidering their presence in Nashik.
Tata Consultancy Services issued a statement reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment involving women. The company has also reportedly circulated internal communication addressing the issue.
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