After TCS Nashik, Another Forced Conversion Case Rocks Maharashtra: What Happened In Nagpur NGO

Nagpur NGO head Riyaz Fazil Qazi arrested after women allege sexual harassment and forced religious practices. ATS joins probe into NGO activities and finances.

The accused, Fazil Qazi, has been arrested.

At a time when allegations of forced religious conversions and sexual harassment at a TCS-linked BPO in Nashik shocked the country, a similar case has now emerged from Nagpur. The fresh case involves an NGO owner accused of coercion and misconduct within his organisation.

Police said the development has added to concerns about workplace safety and allegations of religious pressure in professional spaces.

Here’s what happened so far: 

NGO head arrested in Nagpur

The accused, identified as Riyaz Fazil Qazi, runs organisations such as Fikar Foundation and Padhe Hum, Padhaye Hum. He has been arrested following complaints by workers.

According to officials, he is accused of using the NGO as a front to pressure women into religious conversion, enforce Islamic dress codes and make them follow certain religious practices. The organisation, also referred to as Universal Multipurpose Society, is now under investigation.

The arrest was made soon after a complaint was filed at Mankapur police station on Saturday night. Police have taken Qazi into custody and started a detailed probe into the NGO’s activities, funding and financial transactions. Given the seriousness of the case, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has also joined the investigation.

Complaint by HR head

The main complaint has been filed by a 23-year-old woman who worked as the administration and HR head at the NGO since September 2023.

She alleged that on July 18, 2024, during her birthday celebration at the office, Qazi called her to his cabin, hugged her without consent, kissed her forehead and told her he did not want to let her go that day. According to the FIR, she did not resist at the time as she feared losing her job.

The complainant also reported repeated incidents of harassment. She claimed Qazi tried to hug her several times and, in one instance, switched off a CCTV camera before attempting to embrace her. She further alleged inappropriate touching when she was alone and said he collected personal information about her through colleagues.

What FIR says?

The FIR also mentions that Qazi allegedly created a fake Instagram account using parts of his name and the complainant’s name. This account was reportedly used to track the movements of female staff and volunteers.

Another serious allegation relates to a phone call made on April 13 to a former employee’s mother. The complainant said Qazi used abusive language and made defamatory remarks about her, her sister and their associates.

An audio clip of a similar conversation was later shared among staff on April 17. When the complainant and others visited the NGO office on April 18, they found it locked and then approached the police.

Forced conversion pressure

The complainant also said her elder sister, who joined the NGO in November 2025 as an assistant project manager, was pressured to follow specific religious practices during field visits.

These included reciting prayers, wearing full-body covering clothes and following certain customs. The FIR states that after discussions involving the complainant, her sister resigned within two months.

Other employees have also reportedly left the organisation. A teacher who worked there in 2024 is said to have quit due to Qazi’s behaviour. Some workers alleged attempts to impose religious practices despite different faith backgrounds.

Probe underway

The NGO, located around 1 km from Mankapur police station, claims to have been working since 2010 in education, health camps and welfare programmes for underprivileged children.

Police said they are examining CCTV footage, call records, social media activity, audio clips and statements from employees and their families. Investigators are also looking into whether more women faced similar pressure within the organisation.

Senior inspector Haresh Kalsekar said the court has sent Qazi to police custody till April 23. He added that at least three women have already come forward with complaints and more statements are expected.

Authorities said the case will be investigated from multiple angles as the probe continues.

Read More