TCS Nashik Case: Woman Alleges She Was Urged to Stop Visiting Temples, Watch Islamic Preachers’ Videos

A woman at the center of the TCS Nashik sexual harassment and alleged religious coercion case has told investigators that she was repeatedly encouraged to watch videos of prominent Islamic preachers, including Pakistani cleric Tariq Jamil and controversial speaker Zakir Naik, as part of efforts to influence her religious beliefs.

The allegations are contained in a chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was constituted by the Maharashtra government after multiple women employees of a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-associated BPO unit in Nashik accused co-workers of sexual exploitation, molestation, mental harassment and religious coercion.

According to the chargesheet, filed in connection with a case registered at the Deolali Camp police station, the 23-year-old complainant alleged that accused Danish Shaikh, who is married, sexually exploited her on the promise of marriage while encouraging her to distance herself from Hindu religious practices.

The woman told investigators that Shaikh allegedly advised her to stop listening to devotional Hindu songs and visiting temples, claiming that doing so would reduce her stress and anxiety. He also allegedly encouraged her to recite Islamic prayers and seek spiritual relief through religious practices associated with Islam.

According to her statement, Shaikh introduced her to Islamic teachings through co-accused Tausif Attar and Nida Khan. She alleged that Attar directed her to watch speeches and online videos featuring Zakir Naik and Pakistani Islamic scholar Dr. Israr Ahmed, while she was also exposed to discussions about Islamic concepts such as Jannah (heaven), Jahannum (hell), Qurbani (sacrifice), Bakrid and Zamzam water.

The complainant told investigators that she gradually came to believe that embracing Islamic teachings could help alleviate her mental distress.

The chargesheet further alleges that Shaikh had access to details of the woman’s bank accounts, including her UPI PIN, and was aware of the funds available in her accounts.

SIT Expands Probe

In addition to Shaikh, Attar and Khan, the chargesheet names AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, alleging that he provided shelter to Nida Khan while she was absconding despite being aware that her anticipatory bail application had been rejected.

The SIT’s first chargesheet, filed in May, reportedly includes statements from 106 witnesses, including the complainant, her mother, TCS employees, members of the company’s Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework, and investigating officers.

The investigation has since expanded, with the SIT filing additional chargesheets linked to eight separate FIRs registered at Mumbai Naka police station. The accused across the nine cases include Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar, Nida Khan, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari and Ashwini Ashok Chainani. All are currently in judicial custody.

So far, nine employees have filed separate complaints related to the case.

Allegations Against Nida Khan

According to police records, Nida Khan has been accused of using a WhatsApp group to allegedly pressure employees to participate in religious practices, consume non-vegetarian food, and adopt dress and behavioral norms associated with Islamic traditions.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the accused have denied wrongdoing.

A Nashik court recently postponed the hearing on the bail applications of Nida Khan, Danish Shaikh and Tausif Attar until June 12. Police have said that the investigation is continuing.

TCS Response

TCS has suspended employees named in the case pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a statement issued on April 17, TCS Chief Executive Officer K. Krithivasan said the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward coercion, harassment and misconduct.

“TCS holds itself to the highest standards of employee welfare and institutional conduct. We remain fully committed to the safety, dignity and wellbeing of every employee,” he said.

Krithivasan added that the company is focused on ensuring a safe and respectful workplace while extending full cooperation to law enforcement agencies so that the matter is investigated thoroughly and transparently.