Forced religious conversion, sexual exploitation, terrorist link; TCS Nashik case probe leads to preacher Zakir Naik

MUMBAI: The news emerging out of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has left the whole country in shock. International terrorist links are suspected in the religious conversions and grooming of women in the firm. It is reported that the accused received help from foreign terrorist groups. The NIA, Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and IB have started an investigation.

The suspicion lies with anti-India religious preacher Zakir Naik, who is living in Malaysia. Seven employees were arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by nine employees (eight women and one man). The search for HR Assistant General Manager Nida Khan, who went into hiding, has been intensified.

A Malaysian religious preacher associated with Naik had a video call with the accused. This is being investigated. Digital evidence is also being collected.

In the wake of the investigation, the operations of the TCS outsourcing centre have been temporarily suspended. Employees were asked to work from home for the time being. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekharan had ordered an internal investigation. The organised crime that took place in the office was recently brought out by female employees.

Arrested: Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Ansari, Reza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi (Team Leaders), Ashwin Chinani (Operations Manager)

1 Female employees faced severe sexual and psychological abuse since July 2022

2 Forced religious conversion attempt. Forced to offer namaz and eat beef

3 Complaints were ignored despite being filed with the HR department and the internal committee. Victims' emails and digital messages were hidden.

4 Employees from financially struggling families were exploited.

5 One of the complainants was repeatedly sexually harassed on the promise of marriage.

👉 February 2026: A political activist informed the Nashik City Police that Hindus were being forced to observe fasts of another religion, prompting an undercover operation

👉 March: Seven women police officers went on an undercover mission. They entered the office disguised as cleaners and maintenance workers and gained the trust of the victims

👉 March 25: First FIR registered on the complaint of an employee. More employees later came forward with complaints. A special investigation team was formed

👉 April 10-13: Six team leaders and an operations manager, who was a member of the internal grievance redressal committee, were arrested. They were suspended by TCS