New Delhi: Devendra Fadnavis on Friday alleged that an All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen corporator had a role in helping accused Nida Khan remain hidden in the ongoing Nashik TCS case involving allegations of religious conversion, sexual harassment, and hurting religious sentiments.
Speaking on the developments in the case, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said investigations are ongoing and authorities are examining every angle to identify those allegedly involved in the conspiracy. He stated that AIMIM corporator Mateen Majid Patel appeared to have played a role in hiding Khan and added that investigators would determine whether there was any connection to a larger conversion racket or assistance network.
Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel responded to the allegations, saying he would seek complete information from the police regarding the alleged involvement of the corporator. He also stressed that every accused person has the legal right to seek bail until charges are proven in court.
Jaleel maintained that the law should apply equally irrespective of an individual’s identity and said the police and judiciary should function impartially. He further noted that Khan has the legal right to approach higher courts after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the lower court.
According to Advocate Milind Kurkute, representing the complainant, Khan has been remanded to police custody till Monday. The prosecution had sought five days of custody citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for detailed investigation. However, the court granted limited police custody for two days.
Kurkute alleged that Khan had deliberately acted in a manner that hurt the religious sentiments of the complainant. He also confirmed that Khan had not approached the High Court after the rejection of her anticipatory bail plea.
Sandeep Karnik stated that Khan was taken into custody during a joint operation conducted by Nashik City Police and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Police after a two day search operation in the Naregaon area.
Khan has been named as an accused in the case linked to alleged sexual harassment and religious misconduct involving employees at the Nashik office of Tata Consultancy Services.
