A Nashik court denied anticipatory bail to Nida Khan in sexual harassment and conversion case. K G Joshi held custodial interrogation necessary, noting allegations of sustained pressure and “brainwashing” requiring deeper investigation.
A court in Nashik has denied anticipatory bail to Nida Khan in a case involving allegations of sexual harassment and attempted religious conversion. The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge (Nashik Road) Judge K. G. Joshi, who noted the seriousness of the accusations and observed that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary at this stage of the investigation.
According to the prosecution, the case stems from a complaint alleging that the victim was subjected to sustained pressure and manipulation. The court, while examining the material placed before it, remarked that the victim appeared to have been systematically “brainwashing,” indicating a pattern of influence that warranted deeper scrutiny.
It was further alleged that Khan, along with co-accused Danish Shaikh and Tausif, attempted to coerce the victim into converting her religion through false assurances and misleading representations.
The prosecution also invoked charges relating to harassment and acts allegedly offending religious sentiments. It claimed that the accused persons were part of a coordinated effort aimed at altering the victim’s identity and influencing her personal choices. These allegations formed the basis for opposing the grant of pre-arrest bail.
In addition, the investigating agency suggested that the matter may have wider ramifications. It alleged that there was a plan to send the victim abroad, specifically to Malaysia, raising concerns about a possible larger network. Taking note of these claims, the court observed that further investigation was required to determine whether an international syndicate could be involved in the alleged activities.
Given the gravity of the accusations and the need to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy, the court concluded that granting anticipatory bail at this stage would be inappropriate. The plea was accordingly rejected, allowing the investigation to proceed without restriction.
Allegations and Accused details
The case involves allegations that several accused, over nearly four years, sexually harassed women employees at the TCS Nashik facility and attempted to coerce them into religious conversion.
A total of eight accused six men and two women have been named, including a Pune-based operations manager. Of the eight, seven have been arrested: Shafi Shaikh, Asif Ansari, Tausif Attar, Shahrukh Qureshi, Raza Memon, Danish Shaikh, and Ashwini Chainani. While Memon and Shafi Shaikh have been remanded to police custody until April 18, the remaining accused are currently in judicial custody and are in the process of moving for bail.
Reports suggest the defence may argue, among other points, that there were delays in registering FIRs, that in some instances there were no allegations of forcible religious conversion, and that the offences invoked carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years. The accused have also described the case as “politically motivated.”
The charges reportedly include:
- Section 69 (BNS) – sexual intercourse obtained under false promise of marriage
- Section 75 (BNS) – sexual harassment
- Section 299 (BNS) – insulting religious beliefs
- Section 3(5) (BNS) – common intention
Complainants allege they were subjected to inappropriate physical contact, sexually coloured remarks, and coercion, including threats of increased workload if they did not comply. Some victims have also alleged attempts to influence their religious beliefs like claims that Islam was portrayed as superior to Hinduism, along with derogatory remarks about Hindu deities.
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