In the latest development regarding the sexual harassment and religious coercion conversion case at the Nashik unit of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a former parliamentarian has been also named as one of the accused in the chargesheet prepared by the police. While the former AIMIM MP, identified as Imtiaz Jaleel from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is currently in Saudi Arabia, undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the cops have referred to him in a chargesheet filed as part of the wider probe.

AIMIM corporator detained earlier mentions Jaleel’s name during interrogation

Sources familiar with the probe said that AIMIM corporator, Matin Patel, who had earlier been detained by the Crime Branch, repeatedly cited Jaleel’s name when questioned regarding the whereabouts of the key accused Nida Khan. Officials said Patel was asked several questions pertaining to Khan’s movements and stay arrangements. In response, he maintained that the cops should seek answers from Jaleel.

Notably, the key accused Nida Khan was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 7, 2026, after being at large for a long period of time. Police claim she had been provided shelter by Patel before she was nabbed, an allegation which has emerged as a key component of the ongoing inquiry.

Mateen Patel (Left) and Nida Khan (Right)

Patel was questioned by the Crime branch sleuths for nine hours on May 25 and was summoned again on June 1, as the cops continued to piece together the sequence of events surrounding the case.

Demolition action sparked political row

The investigation also became the centre of a political controversy in Maharashtra, as the authorities from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar earlier carried out demolition action against structures allegedly built illegally at properties linked to Patel. The move sparked a sharp war of words between Jaleel and Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat.

Questioning the urgency of the demolition, Jaleel contended that Patel’s family members should not have suffered for action allegedly committed by him. He also expressed support publicly for rebuilding the demolished structure.

SIT probing multiple aspects of the case

The cops are now examining whether Jaleel’s role warrants direct questioning. On the basis of the information contained in the chargesheet and statements recorded from witnesses, police are expected to issue a summons soon to the former MP for further clarification.

The SIT is also concurrently working on nine separate cases registered in connection with allegations involving the TCS unit.

Meanwhile TCS has sought to distance itself from the controversy, maintaining its strict stance against misconduct at workplaces. The company issued an official statement, claiming it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, coercion or any inappropriate conduct.

It is noteworthy that all accused employees involved in the malpractice had been suspended by the company earlier, pending the outcome of the investigation.