After TCS, another NGO owner held in Nagpur over alleged conversion, molestation, ATS joins probe

An NGO operator has been arrested in Nagpur on charges of alleged religious conversion and molestation following complaints by women employees, police said on Saturday, in a case that comes amid similar allegations reported recently from another part of Maharashtra.

As per reports, the accused, Riyaz Kazi, runs organisations named Fikar Foundation and Padhe Hum, Padhaye Hum. He is alleged to have used the NGOs to pressure women into adopting certain religious practices, including enforcing a dress code and compelling participation in rituals.

Police said the case was registered based on statements of women working within the organisation, following which personnel from Mankapur Police Station reportedly arrested the accused.

Inspector Harish Kalsekar reportedly confirmed the arrest and said further investigation was under way to ascertain the extent of the alleged coercion and the number of victims involved.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has joined the probe, officials said, adding that the funding sources of the NGOs are also being examined.

The development comes against the backdrop of a separate case linked to a BPO unit associated with Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik, where multiple complaints of alleged harassment and coercive conversion have led to several arrests.

In the Nashik case, police have registered multiple FIRs, including one by a male employee alleging religious harassment and attempted conversion. 

Investigations in both cases are ongoing, officials said.