Nashik Sexual Assault Case: Police Identify Another Accused For 'Sheltering' Absconding TCS Employee

Nashik: A new twist has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the TCS sexual harassment case. Police have added a fifth accused to the case from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for allegedly sheltering an absconding accused employee. According to officials, the individual had provided accommodation by allowing the fugitive TCS employee to stay in his rented house.

According to Jagran.com, Sandeep Mitke, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) and head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT probing the case), said that the person has been named as an accused for allegedly providing shelter to the absconding TCS employee. He added that formal information regarding the inclusion of the accused will also be submitted to the court.

SIT Investigating Nine Related Cases

The case was registered at Deolali Camp Police Station on March 26 and is one of nine cases linked to allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, and hurting religious sentiments involving TCS Nashik. All cases are being investigated by the SIT.

On May 22, the SIT filed a nearly 1,500-page chargesheet in the Nashik Road Sessions Court against four accused in the case.

ALSO READ: TMC Facing A Split Threat? High-Profile Meetings In Kolkata Might Trouble Mamata Banerjee

What are charges filed?

Initially, three accused were booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 69 (sexual intercourse obtained through deceit or false promise of marriage), Section 75 (sexual harassment), Section 299 (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious sentiments), and Section 3(5) (common intention). Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also invoked.

Woman Accused Detained From Sambhajinagar

The woman accused in the case had been absconding after the FIR was registered. She was later detained on May 7 from a residence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. During the investigation, a separate case was also registered against AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel for allegedly arranging accommodation for her.

ALSO READ: Gujarat Weather: IMD Issues Orange Alert After Heavy Rain, Storms Hit Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar; Multiple Flights Diverted

Joint Interrogation of Mateen Patel and New Accused

Police conducted a joint interrogation of Mateen Patel and the newly named accused on Monday. During questioning, officials attempted to gather details about their links with the absconding employee and their role in providing shelter.

As part of the probe, police have seized Mateen Patel’s mobile phone and initiated forensic procedures, including the collection of voice samples.

Mateen Patel’s lawyer, Abhay Singh Bhosale, confirmed that his client has been directed to appear on Thursday for the voice sample examination.

The SIT has expanded its investigation, and officials are now examining whether other individuals were involved in assisting or sheltering the absconding accused.