Nida Khan, a suspended employee linked to a TCS-associated BPO unit in Nashik, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar after evading police for nearly 25 days in a case involving serious allegations of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion.
The arrest comes after multiple FIRs were filed by women employees at a Nashik-based BPO operation connected to Tata Consultancy Services, triggering a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into claims of workplace harassment, intimidation and coercion.
Arrest after extended search
Police teams had been tracking Khan across locations after she went missing following the registration of cases. Her anticipatory bail plea had earlier been rejected by a Nashik court, with investigators arguing that custodial interrogation was required due to digital evidence and witness statements collected during the probe.
Officials said she was eventually traced and arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, ending a weeks-long search operation.
Serious allegations under investigation
Khan has been named as an accused in cases involving allegations of sexual harassment, mental harassment, and influencing complainants. Investigators have also alleged attempts to pressure victims in matters related to religious practices and discourage them from pursuing complaints.
The SIT is examining claims that include workplace misconduct, misuse of authority, and alleged attempts at coercion, based on statements, digital records, and communication data gathered during the investigation.
Police have also said the probe is looking into whether the activities extended beyond Nashik, with potential links being examined in other locations as part of a wider inquiry.
Background of the case
The controversy began after several women employees at the BPO unit alleged sexual harassment, stalking, and inappropriate workplace behaviour. The complaints also include claims of intimidation and repeated misconduct by multiple staff members. At least nine FIRs have been registered, and several individuals connected to the unit have already been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Defence and company response
Khan’s legal team had argued in court that she was pregnant and residing in Mumbai while seeking protection from arrest. They also disputed allegations related to forced conversion, citing legal grounds and denying coercion claims.
Tata Consultancy Services has stated that it did not receive any formal complaints through its internal ethics or POSH channels related to the accused individuals. However, the company has constituted an internal oversight committee and engaged independent experts to examine the matter separately from the police investigation.
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