Source India Today
NASHIK – The high-profile investigation into a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO unit in Nashik has taken a dramatic turn as the family of accused HR executive Nida Khan breaks their silence. In a series of startling claims, Khan’s parents have dismissed the allegations of religious conversion and sexual harassment against her as “baseless and politically motivated,” suggesting the case is a smokescreen to protect a controversial local figure.
Allegations of a “Cover-Up”
Speaking to the media, Nida Khan’s father alleged that the charges against his daughter were manufactured to divert public attention from the ongoing scandal surrounding Ashok Kharat, a self-styled “godman” recently arrested for rape and sexual exploitation.
“This entire case has been created to cover other matters, including the controversy linked to the Nashik godman,” her father stated, claiming that Nida is being used as a scapegoat in a larger conspiracy.
The family further clarified that Nida was employed as a telecaller, not as the HR Head or Assistant General Manager as initially reported by some outlets. They argued she lacked the corporate authority to influence company policy or suppress internal grievances.
The “Grooming Racket” Investigation
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently probing the TCS Nashik branch paints a different picture. Investigators allege that a group of employees, including Khan, operated an organized network that targeted young women between the ages of 18 and 25.
Key allegations from the nine registered FIRs include:
Workplace Harassment: Male colleagues allegedly subjected female juniors to unwanted physical contact and stalking.
Religious Coercion: Victims claimed they were pressured to consume non-vegetarian food, forced to perform religious rituals, and heard derogatory remarks about Hindu deities.
HR Negligence: Complainants alleged that when they reported the abuse, Khan discouraged them from filing formal cases, allegedly telling them such incidents “just happen” in the workplace.
Health Concerns and Legal Status
While police previously labeled Nida Khan as “absconding,” her legal team has filed for anticipatory bail in a Nashik sessions court. The defense highlights that Khan is currently pregnant and staying with her in-laws in Bhiwandi to receive specialized medical care. They maintain she is not fleeing justice but prioritizing her health during a high-risk period.
Corporate and Police Response
TCS has since suspended seven of the eight accused employees and launched an internal audit headed by the company’s COO. The Nashik police, meanwhile, have detained Khan’s husband for questioning as they continue to analyze over 40 CCTV clips and 70-plus internal emails to determine the extent of the alleged “corporate grooming” ring.
As the SIT continues its probe, the intersection of corporate misconduct and local religious controversies has left Nashik on edge, with the court’s upcoming decision on Khan’s bail expected to be a pivotal moment in the case.
This video provides a breakdown of the contradictory claims between Nida Khan’s family and the police investigation, offering deeper context on the “godman” connection.
