A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Nashik Police on Monday summoned AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for questioning in connection with the alleged harassment case linked to Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) Nashik BPO unit, officials said, reported IANS.
Summoned under BNSS provisions
Mateen Patel has been summoned for questioning under the relevant Section of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to investigate certain facts related to the case and his alleged assistance to the accused, Nida Khan.
Officials said further investigation into the case is currently underway.
Nashik Police file 1,500-page chargesheet
Earlier, on May 22, the Nashik Police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against the accused in the case.
A total of nine FIRs have been registered against the accused. However, a chargesheet has currently been filed in only one of the cases.
SIT uncovers evidence of alleged forced conversion
According to an official statement issued by the team of Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, the SIT probing the allegations has uncovered evidence related to the alleged forced religious conversion of the victim, which allegedly caused offence to religious sentiments, reported IANS.
Police have also seized original documents allegedly used by the accused to alter the victim’s name and identity.
Digital evidence recovered
Investigators have retrieved digital and technical evidence, including WhatsApp chat screenshots obtained from the mobile phones of both the victim and the accused.
The chargesheet names Danish Ejaz Shaikh, Tausif Bilal Attar, Nida Ejaz Khan and AIMIM leader Mateen Patel as accused in the case.
Officials said none of the accused has been granted bail so far.
Charges filed under multiple sections
The primary chargesheet was filed before the Additional Sessions and Special Court at Nashik Road under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Charges have also been invoked under relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, reported IANS.
Case sparked outrage across Maharashtra
This is the first chargesheet filed in connection with allegations of rape and causing offence to religious sentiments, which were originally registered at the Deolali Police Station in Nashik.
Additionally, eight other FIRs were registered by TCS employees at the Mumbai Naka Police Station.
The case drew widespread attention after allegations of systematic workplace harassment surfaced, triggering outrage across Maharashtra.
Police officials said the investigation is being carried out thoroughly to ensure justice, adding that the filing of the detailed chargesheet is a significant step towards the commencement of trial proceedings.
(With IANS inputs)