The investigation into the alleged harassment and religious coercion case at a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) office in Nashik has escalated significantly, with the city police sharing a comprehensive report with central agencies including the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Intelligence Bureau (IB), as reported in News18.
The case, which began as a sexual harassment complaint, has expanded into a multi-agency probe amid allegations of pressure on employees to convert religion, consume beef, and participate in namaz. Investigators are now examining whether the incidents form part of a coordinated and organised network.
Nine FIRs Detail Pattern of Abuse and Coercion
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ACP (Crime) Sandeep Mitke, is currently examining nine FIRs that describe repeated instances of harassment over several years.
According to the complaints, the alleged acts include inappropriate physical contact, stalking, sexually explicit remarks, derogatory comments about religion, and attempts to force women into religious practices. Several victims have also alleged that they were pressured to consume beef, perform namaz, and, in some cases, enter into physical relationships under false promises of marriage.
Sources indicate that the pattern of abuse was not random. Investigators are probing claims that groups within the organisation were used not merely for casual interaction but to identify and target women. Victims have alleged that internal discussions may have played a role in selecting individuals, and that a separate group was created around the first complainant, who was later allegedly sexually exploited.
Investigators believe that digital evidence, including WhatsApp communications, could point to a deliberate pattern linking harassment, sexual exploitation, and attempted religious conversion.
🚨 BREAKING: TCS conversion case escalates.
Nashik Police hands full report to NIA, ATS & IB with key SIT evidence.
Focus now on absconding Nida Khan, dubbed the “Lady Captain”
A larger network under scanner. Hunt intensified.
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) April 13, 2026
Central Agencies Step In, Wider Network Under Scanner
The involvement of central agencies marks a significant escalation in the probe. The ATS, NIA, and IB have sought detailed inputs from the SIT, indicating that the case may have broader implications.
Agencies are examining multiple angles, including possible external funding, links to anti-national elements, and connections to banned organisations. Digital activity, financial transactions, international links, and social networks associated with the accused are all under scrutiny.
Teams from central agencies are expected to join the investigation on the ground and coordinate closely with local police.
Arrests Made, Key Accused Absconding
So far, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while one accused, identified as Nida Khan, remains absconding and is being actively traced. Investigators have referred to her as a key figure in the case.
Of the eight accused, six have been sent to judicial custody, one remains in police custody for interrogation, and Nida Khan is still absconding. The HR officer’s role drew particular focus, despite receiving repeated complaints from victims, she allegedly dismissed them saying “these types of things keep happening in an MNC,” and took no action.
In a significant development, the company’s Operations Manager, Ashwini Chenani, was arrested from Pune and has been remanded to police custody till April 13. Investigators have alleged that lapses in handling complaints allowed the situation to continue over an extended period.
A News18 reporter confronted the families of the accused on camera. Raza Memon’s mother, whose son is named in eight FIRs, flatly denied the allegations, insisting her son was innocent and being framed, saying she had full faith that justice would eventually clear his name. A second family member, speaking about another accused, described how the arrest unfolded: the young man had been on leave when he was summoned first to the office and then directly to the police station, with no prior visit to their home by police. The father maintained that his son was a well-behaved, devout young man who “walks with his head down going and coming back” and had never had any trouble with anyone in his years of employment — adding, pointedly, that he “offers namaz and minds his own business.”
In the Tata Consultancy Services Nashik case, a WhatsApp group allegedly targeted female employees; SIT is hunting for Nida Khan and probing serious charges.@ananyaguptaag speaks to the arrested accused’s family in Nashik | @kritsween #TCS #NashikCase #Conversion pic.twitter.com/OI3Lw8N8QO
— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 13, 2026
Victim Turned Key Witness, New Dimension Emerges
During the course of the investigation, a person initially suspected to be linked to the accused has now been identified as a victim.
According to investigators, the individual stated during questioning that he had been coerced into changing his religion several years ago. His testimony is being treated as a key development, offering insights into the methods allegedly used, including psychological pressure and gradual behavioural influence.
Government Calls Case ‘Serious and Shameful’
The seriousness of the allegations has prompted a strong response from the Maharashtra government.
State minister Girish Mahajan, who visited Nashik, described the case as “extremely serious and shameful.” He stated that the allegations include harassment of women, pressure for religious conversion, coercion into participating in religious practices, and mental torture.
He also referred to claims that women were lured with job opportunities and subsequently subjected to such treatment. He said that if the allegations are proven, strict action would be taken against those involved.
Mahajan added that the Chief Minister has taken the matter seriously and has directed authorities to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. He also appealed to women to come forward without fear, assuring that their identities would be protected and that the government would extend full support.
Company Responds
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has issued a statement stating that it follows a strict zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or coercion in the workplace and prioritises employee safety.
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