TCS Nashik conversion case widens: Undercover women cops, Malaysia-linked preacher angles surface

A February tip-off about suspicious activities inside a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) BPO campus in Maharashtra’s Nashik triggered a covert police operation, with undercover women constables deployed as housekeeping staff, an exercise that has now exposed an alleged conversion racket with possible international links. Investigators say the probe, backed by WhatsApp chats, a suspected Malaysia-linked preacher and victims’ testimonies, points to a potentially wider network operating from within the TCS office.

Special Investigation Team (SIT) sources said that at least 12 employees have now been identified as alleged targets, up from nine. So far, nine FIRs have been registered, filed by eight women and one man, invoking serious charges including sexual harassment, rape on the pretext of marriage, religious manipulation and hurting religious sentiments.

According to the FIRs, the accused employees allegedly molested women colleagues and attempted to coerce them into religious conversion. The incidents, reported by women aged between 18 and 25, are said to have taken place over a span of two to three years, beginning around 2022.

Apart from the nine employees, three more have been impacted by the racket and their statements have been recorded. However, they are yet to file formal complaints, citing social stigma and personal concerns.

So far, six accused, many of them team leaders and engineers, have been arrested, while investigations are ongoing against others. Nida Khan, the HR manager, remains on the run as investigators scrutinise her hiring practices and role within the organisation.

UNDERCOVER COPS INSIDE CAMPUS, ‘PREACHER’ UNDER SCANNER

Acting on a tip-off, police deployed four women constables disguised as housekeeping staff within the TCS premises. Their inputs have been crucial in mapping interactions and corroborating allegations made by the survivors.

A man identified as Imran, allegedly linked to Malaysia, has surfaced in WhatsApp conversations. Investigators suspect he may be a preacher who was introduced to employees via video calls, where he spoke about women relocating abroad for high-paying jobs and a better lifestyle. His identity and role are still being verified.

DIGITAL TRAIL AND WHATSAPP CHATS

The SIT has uncovered WhatsApp groups involving the accused, where colleagues were allegedly discussed, potential targets identified, and strategies coordinated. Deleted chats are now being retrieved using forensic tools, which officials say could prove crucial in establishing intent and the scale of the operation.

Statements recorded by investigators suggest a disturbing pattern: the accused, six team leaders along with HR executive Nida Khan, allegedly subjected colleagues to verbal abuse, inappropriate advances and sustained pressure to adopt Islamic practices. The complainants have also alleged remarks targeting their religious beliefs.

HR MANAGER ON THE RUN, MORE NAMES TO SURFACE

Nida Khan, the HR manager, remains absconding, even as investigators examine her hiring patterns and role within the organisation. Authorities have sought details from TCS regarding internal checks and recruitment decisions.

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan alleged that “four to five Muslim company workers and some officers lured the girls with promises of jobs and attractive salaries,” claiming they were also made to offer namaz and observe roza.

Sources indicate more accused could be named as the probe deepens, with investigators suspecting the network may be larger than initially believed.

In response, TCS said it follows a strict zero-tolerance policy and confirmed that the employees under investigation have been suspended.

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