Nashik TCS conversion case: Central agencies probe potential ‘Corporate Jihad’ module with global links

NEW DELHI: Central investigative agencies, including the NIA, CBI, and IB, have launched an extensive probe into the alleged international religious conversion module operating within Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik. Authorities are currently considering a full transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) given the potential global links.

To date, investigators have identified 12 victims within the firm, leading to the registration of nine FIRs.

The investigation is drawing parallels to the "white-collar" terror module associated with the Delhi Red Fort blast, which involved highly educated professionals, including doctors. Agencies are now exploring the existence of a "corporate jihad module" that may be targeting large institutions. Key points of the probe include:

• Organized Effort: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently characterised the activity as a highly organised conversion attempt.
• Nationwide Audit: Agencies are examining whether similar modules are active in other corporate entities across India.
• Legal Charges: In addition to conversion allegations, authorities have invoked sections of the SC/ST Act following a complaint from a Scheduled Caste employee. This employee alleged sexual harassment and the deliberate wounding of religious sentiments by a colleague, Danish Sheikh, who has since been arrested.

TCS has officially distanced itself from the allegations of systemic religious conversion, maintaining that its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had not received any formal grievances regarding these incidents prior to the police intervention.

The company also clarified the role of Nida Khan, a key figure currently sought by investigators:

• Job Role: TCS denied reports that Nida Khan served as an HR Manager, clarifying that she was a Process Associate with no leadership or hiring responsibilities.
• Employment Status: Nida Khan has been officially suspended.
• Operational Status: The company refuted rumours that its Nashik unit had been shut down, confirming that operations continue.

Manhunt for Nida Khan

The search for Nida Khan remains ongoing after she successfully evaded capture. Police took her husband, Moin Naveed Iqbal Khan, into custody for questioning, which led them to a suspected hideout. However, by the time authorities arrived, the location had been vacated.

Security agencies remain on high alert as they track Nida Khan’s whereabouts and investigate the broader network behind the module.