A Nashik court granted bail to Nida Khan, a former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee accused of sexual harassment and religious conversion, citing the hardship of childbirth in custody. The order, issued on July 6, referenced the trauma of giving birth in prison, as experienced by Lord Krishna, as a key factor in the decision.

Bail Granted on Pregnancy Grounds

Nida Khan, five months pregnant, was arrested on May 7 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after evading authorities for nearly 25 days. Her lawyer, Rahul Kasliwal, argued for bail on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing her pregnancy and denial of the allegations. The court imposed a personal bond of Rs 75,000 and one solvent surety of the same amount.

Additional Sessions Judge K G Joshi noted that continued custody would serve no purpose, as the investigation was complete and a chargesheet had been filed. The judge also highlighted the need to ensure the welfare of the unborn child.

Prosecution Opposes Bail Over Allegations

Public prosecutor Vijay Gaikwad, along with lawyers for one of the victims, opposed bail for Khan and co-accused Danish Shaikh. They cited evidence of sexual assault and religious coercion in nine linked cases involving exploitation, forced conversion, and harassment at TCS’s Nashik unit.

Allegations Against Nida Khan

Khan faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:

  • Section 69 (sexual intercourse through deceitful means)
  • Section 65 (sexual harassment)
  • Section 299 (outraging religious feelings)
  • Provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as the victim is Dalit
Investigators allege she influenced the victim’s religious beliefs by providing a burqa, religious literature, and guidance on Islamic practices. TCS stated it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and suspended employees involved in the case.

The allegations remain under judicial review, with further proceedings expected in the Nashik court.