Pregnant accused denied interim relief in Nashik TCS case, hearing on April 27

A court in Nashik on Monday reportedly declined interim relief to a pregnant woman employee accused in a case of alleged religious harassment at a Tata Consultancy Services BPO unit, Nashik, with the matter posted for further hearing on April 27.

The 26-year-old accused, Nida Khan, who is currently absconding, had approached the sessions court seeking anticipatory bail, citing her pregnancy among the grounds for relief.

As per reports, Advocate Rahul Kasliwal, appearing for the accused, argued before the court that “casual talk on religion does not amount to hurting religious sentiments”.

Her counsel, Baba Sayyed, said the anticipatory bail application was filed before the court of Sessions Judge Kedar Joshi, stating that multiple grounds had been cited in the plea.

The counsel reportedly told the court that she is not the main accused. Secondly, the maximum punishment in the case related to hurting religious sentiments is up to three years. Therefore, they have sought pre-arrest bail.

The case came to light following complaints of alleged sexual harassment and coercion at the Nashik BPO unit. So far, eight persons have been arrested in connection with the matter, while Khan had remained untraceable until recently, officials said.

She is also accused of discouraging a woman from filing a complaint related to alleged harassment and conversion, reportedly stating that “these things happen” and appearing to side with the accused.

Further hearing in the matter is scheduled for April 27.