TCS Nashik case: No interim relief for Nida Khan, 2 sent to judicial custody

A Nashik court on Monday refused to grant interim relief to Nida Khan, who is absconding in the sexual harassment and abuse case linked to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The court will hear her anticipatory bail plea on April 27. During the next hearing, it will consider arguments from the investigating officer and the prosecution before pronouncing its order.

Khan on Saturday sought anticipatory bail and interim protection from arrest pending the plea hearing, citing her two-month pregnancy. During the hearing on Monday, her lawyer, Rahul Kasliwal, pressed for interim relief, which would have given her protection from arrest until her main plea was decided by the court.

In a separate development, the court sent two other accused, Raza Memon and Shafi Sheikh, to 14-day judicial custody.

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST NIDA KHAN

The Nashik Police have formed three teams to search for Khan, who is accused of using a WhatsApp group to pressure employees into adopting religious practices, including praying and eating non-vegetarian food.

According to the FIR, Khan allegedly advised women employees to dress and behave in accordance with Islamic traditions. Some victims also alleged that they were coerced into adopting religious symbols and changing their dietary habits.

Besides provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to sexual harassment and defamation, Khan was also booked under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The defence, however, contended that the SC/ST Act cannot be applied as there were no allegations involving caste-based slurs or insults against her.

PARENTS DEFEND NIDA KHAN

Khan's parents have described the case as "fake and politically motivated." Her father told India Today TV that all allegations against his daughter were false and claimed she was being targeted as part of a conspiracy.

According to the family, the case was created to cover other matters, including the controversy linked to self-professed Nashik godman Ashok Kharat, who was recently arrested on charges of rape.

The family said Khan is currently staying at her in-laws' house in Bhiwandi and is pregnant.

NIDA KHAN SUSPENDED FROM TCS

Meanwhile, a suspension letter issued to Khan has surfaced. The April 9 letter stated that Khan, a Process Associate who joined the company on December 27, 2021, had been suspended after the case came to light.

The company revoked her access to the TCS network and directed her to surrender any company assets in her possession.

It also instructed her not to report to any office or work from home until further communication from the HR department.

The letter further asked her to maintain strict confidentiality and not discuss the matter with other employees, warning that failure to cooperate would invite disciplinary action.

While Khan remains absconding, the court's April 27 hearing will be a key moment in determining the direction of the case. However, her family's claim of political conspiracy, even as the Nashik Police SIT expands its probe, has added another layer of intrigue into the case.

- Ends

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