Man arrested in TCS Nashik conversion case claims he was beaten by jail inmates

UPDATED: Apr 16, 2026 23:49 IST

A fresh controversy has erupted in Maharashtra’s Nashik district after a suspect in a high-profile IT company conversion case alleged he was assaulted inside jail, even as the court sent him and a co-accused to police custody for further interrogation.

The accused, Shafi Shaikh, is linked to a case involving the alleged exploitation of women and accusations of hurting religious sentiments at a multinational IT company in Nashik.

During proceedings at the District Sessions Court, Shafi Shaikh told the judge that he had been beaten up by other inmates while lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail.

The matter came up during a tightly secured in-camera hearing, held behind closed doors due to the sensitivity and rising tensions around the case.

COURT SENDS ACCUSED TO POLICE CUSTODY

Both Shafi Shaikh and co-accused Raza Memon were produced before the court under heavy police security. The police sought custody of both accused for further investigation into the alleged forced conversion case.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court remanded the duo to police custody till April 18.

The court proceedings were held in camera, given the seriousness of the case and security concerns surrounding the accused.

INVESTIGATION DEEPENS

The case, involving allegations of forced conversion and abuse within a corporate workplace, is now being probed further by police to establish the full extent of the network and possible involvement of others.

The alleged assault inside jail has added a new dimension to the investigation, with concerns now also being raised over the safety of the accused in custody.

FAMILY REACTION AND ALLEGATIONS

Family members of the accused have defended him, claiming the case is being misrepresented.

Aiyaz Kazi, uncle of one of the accused, said, “A man is being blamed for the entire community. This is being projected as a love affair issue, and other cases are false.”

He also alleged pressure in the case, claiming political influence behind the developments, while insisting that those responsible for any wrongdoing should be punished.

CASE UNDER SCRUTINY

With allegations inside jail and custody proceedings moving ahead, the case has taken multiple turns, widening scrutiny on both the investigation and prison security arrangements.

Authorities are expected to examine the jail assault claim alongside the ongoing criminal probe.

- Ends