Mumbai, Jun 5: The ongoing investigation into alleged workplace harassment and religious coercion involving employees linked to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-associated facility in Nashik has brought renewed focus to claims of faith-based influence raised by one of the complainants.

According to a chargesheet filed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Maharashtra government, a woman employee alleged that she was encouraged to consume religious content, including videos of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and other clerics, as part of what investigators describe as a broader pattern of influence over her personal beliefs and lifestyle.

The allegations form part of a larger probe into complaints lodged by multiple women employees, who have accused certain co-workers of sexual misconduct, inappropriate physical behaviour, religious coercion and psychological harassment.

Chargesheet Details Alleged Religious Persuasion
The chargesheet relates to a case registered at the Deolali Camp police station against Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar and Nida Khan.

According to the complainant's statement recorded by investigators, she was gradually introduced to Islamic teachings through online sermons and discussions. The woman alleged that she was encouraged to distance herself from some Hindu religious practices and was advised to adopt certain Islamic customs and prayers.

Investigators have cited her statement that co-accused Tausif Attar allegedly asked her to watch videos featuring Zakir Naik and Pakistani Islamic scholar Dr Israr Ahmed and listen to their sermons online.

The complainant further alleged that she was introduced to concepts including Jannah (heaven), Jahannum (hell), Qurbani (sacrifice), Bakri Eid and Zamzam water. According to her statement in the chargesheet, she eventually began believing that embracing Islamic practices could help alleviate her mental stress.

Allegations of Sexual Exploitation Under Investigation
The complainant has also accused Danish Shaikh of sexually exploiting her on the promise of marriage. According to the chargesheet, Shaikh allegedly made statements linking religious practices with emotional wellbeing and encouraged her to follow certain Islamic rituals.

Investigators have additionally recorded allegations that Shaikh had access to the complainant's bank account information, including knowledge of her account balances and UPI credentials.

The SIT has not publicly indicated whether these allegations have been independently corroborated, and the matter remains under judicial consideration.

Probe Expands Beyond Initial Accused
The investigation has widened significantly since the first complaint was filed.

Apart from the three principal accused, the chargesheet names Mateen Patel, alleging that he provided shelter to Nida Khan while she was absconding despite being aware that her anticipatory bail plea had been rejected.

According to investigators, the first chargesheet submitted in May contains statements from 106 witnesses, including the complainant, her mother, TCS employees, members of the company's POSH committee and investigating officials.

The SIT has subsequently filed additional chargesheets in connection with eight FIRs registered at the Mumbai Naka Police Station, taking the total number of linked cases to nine.

Those named across the cases include Danish Shaikh, Tausif Attar, Nida Khan, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari and Ashwini Ashok Chainani. Investigators have stated that all the accused are presently in judicial custody.

Multiple Complaints Broaden Scope of Inquiry
The case has expanded beyond a single complainant, with nine employees filing separate complaints.

Among the allegations under examination are claims that workplace interactions extended beyond professional boundaries and involved attempts to influence employees' personal beliefs, social practices and lifestyle choices.

According to one FIR, Nida Khan allegedly used a WhatsApp group to encourage employees to offer prayers, consume non-vegetarian food and adopt practices associated with Islamic traditions. These allegations are also part of the ongoing investigation.

Also Read: ‘Islam-Friendly Gym’ with Sharia Guidelines in Keralam Sparks Debate

Bail Hearing Deferred
Meanwhile, a court in Nashik has deferred the hearing on the bail applications of Nida Khan, Danish Shaikh and Tausif Attar until June 12.

Police officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that further findings may emerge as additional evidence is examined.

TCS Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy
Tata Consultancy Services has suspended the employees named in the case pending the investigation.

In a statement issued on April 17, TCS Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director K Krithivasan said the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards coercion and misconduct and remains committed to employee welfare and workplace safety.

The company said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies and will continue to support efforts to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

This story is compiled by Sunil Kumar Dash.