Who Is Nida Khan, Accused At Centre Of Nashik BPO Harassment Case Probe?

Nida Khan linked to a TCS associated Nashik BPO was arrested for allegedly ignoring women’s harassment complaints; SIT probes systemic workplace failures

Nida Khan is suspected of failing to act on multiple complaints submitted by women employees. (Image: X)

Amid an ongoing probe into the alleged workplace misconduct and harassment at the Nashik BPO unit associated with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of the eight accused, Nida Khan, has come into the spotlight.

Khan, in her 20s, is now a key figure in a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe led by the Nashik City Police.

Who Is Nida Khan?

As the probe picked up pace, it is learnt that Khan, who was earlier being widely described as the HR head of the unit, was in fact working as a telecaller and not part of the human resources team. According to a Business Today report, citing sources, Khan—currently absconding in connection with the case—was employed in a junior role and was not associated with HR functions.

Hindustan Times also reported that she was part of the sales team and had joined the BPO in December 2021, with multiple layers of senior staff above her. The reports said that claims that Khan is the “HR head” stem from a viral image circulating on social media, in which her photograph was allegedly edited to include a false designation. Family members told Hindustan Times that she had no role in the HR department.

The 26-year-old had relocated to Mumbai in January last year, post-marriage. She had taken a transfer to the company’s Mumbai branch office, sources said. Her online profile had drawn attention earlier, with references to her academic background and professional affiliations circulating widely.

Khan To Move Anticipatory bail Plea

Khan is set to move a petition for anticipatory bail, citing pregnancy as a key ground. She is in her early stage of pregnancy, which is likely to be a central argument in seeking anticipatory bail.

Prosecutors are likely to oppose the bail, citing her alleged role as a “mastermind” who actively participated in grooming and coerced victims into religious practices.

What Is The Case?

Nida Khan is among eight employees who have been accused of alleged rape, sexual harassment, religious coercion, and other kinds of harassment of their colleagues at TCS’s Nashik BPO, which has triggered a massive controversy surrounding the corporate culture.

Seven of the accused are under arrest while Khan remains on the run.

The incident came to light when an FIR was filed by Nashik police based on a complaint by a 23-year-old BPO employee, alleging her senior co-worker, Danish Shaikh, established sexual relations with her under the false pretext of marriage.

The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including section 69 (sexual intercourse obtained through false promise to marry), 75 (sexual harassment), and 299 (insulting religion or religious belief).

The victim alleged that Danish and another colleague, Tausif, tried to convince her about the merits of Islam over Hinduism. She claimed Tausif, along with Khan, made objectionable comments about a Hindu deity.

The case has ignited a firestorm in the country, with complaints alleging that the accused worked as a gang, targeting women employees aged between 18 and 25.

So far, eight people — Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansar and Shahrukh Sheikh, and a woman — have been arrested in the case.

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