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All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel has ignited controversy with a strong public defence of Nida Khan, one of the key accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Nashik BPO sexual harassment and alleged religious coercion case.

In a video statement that has gone viral, Jaleel described the media coverage as a “witch-hunt”, causing severe mental harassment to Nida Khan and her family.

He claimed the case stems from a “personal or relationship issue gone wrong” that has been exaggerated into a national scandal.

“Nida Khan and her entire family are facing severe mental harassment because of the way this case is being presented in the media,” Jaleel said.

“The narrative being built against her is completely wrong and exaggerated.”

He emphasised that TCS has clarified that Nida Khan was not an HR manager or senior leader with any oversight role, and the company stated it received no complaints through its internal POSH or ethics channels.

Jaleel added, “If Nida Khan or anyone else is found guilty after a proper investigation, they must be punished strictly according to the law. However, right now, we are witnessing an attempt to harass and defame her and her family through media pressure before the investigation is complete. Let the law take its own course.”

Victims’ Allegations Paint a Starkly Different Picture

Multiple women employees have come forward with detailed complaints that directly contradict the “personal issue” framing.

Nine FIRs have been registered alleging a pattern of sexual harassment, molestation, mental coercion, blackmail, and pressure for religious conversion spanning nearly four years (2022–2026).

One complainant, a married woman who joined as an Associate in June 2025, recounted repeated physical and verbal abuse in her police statement:

“Asif Ansari would repeatedly come and sit right next to me, and attempt to get physically close. He would deliberately touch my body, grab my hand, and occasionally place his hand on my thigh or shoulder. Once, he came close to me, touched my stomach and waist, and remarked, ‘You have a ‘zero figure’, On another occasion, while I was standing in the gallery, Asif approached me and suddenly grabbed me in a tight embrace.”

She further alleged vulgar remarks from the same colleague:

“Just as you cook for your husband, you should cook and bring food for me as well. Even though you are married now, that is fine by me. Whatever your physical needs may be, I will fulfill them.”

Another complainant described the atmosphere at the team leaders’ desks:

“All the accused, especially their manner of communication, were completely vulgar. Girls were called to the TL desk and subjected to obscene language unimaginable in any professional or commercial office.”

Several victims have specifically alleged religious coercion and mockery.

According to one FIR, Nida Khan and others “mocked Hindu rituals and deities, making derogatory comments about Shivaling, Lord Krishna and Draupadi to provoke the victim.”

Complainants also claimed pressure to change their dressing, dietary habits, and religious practices to align with Islamic traditions, with one team leader reportedly questioning Hindu festivals and attire.

Police say the victims, mostly young, middle-class women, were subjected to mental pressure tactics, and internal complaints were allegedly ignored for years.

Company And Legal Response

TCS suspended Nida Khan on April 9 and has launched an internal probe with external oversight from Deloitte and Trilegal.

The company reiterated that Nida Khan was a Process Associate (telecaller/sales role) and not part of HR leadership.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the cases.

Several team leaders, including Asif Ansari, Tausif Attar, Shafi Sheikh, Raza Memon, and Danish Sheikh, have been arrested.

Nida Khan remains absconding and is reportedly two months pregnant.

On April 20, she approached the Nashik Sessions Court for anticipatory bail and interim protection; the court declined immediate relief and posted the matter for hearing on April 27.

Backlash And Broader Concerns

Jaleel’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of siding with the accused rather than standing with the alleged victims in what is being described as a serious workplace harassment scandal.

The case has triggered nationwide debate on corporate safety mechanisms, the effectiveness of POSH committees, and media coverage of sensitive cases involving multiple FIRs.

Police investigations and court proceedings continue.