Corporator booked for sheltering accused

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

In the latest development in the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case linked to a multinational company in Nashik, AIMIM corporator Matin Majid Patel has been booked for allegedly sheltering prime accused Nida Khan. Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik confirmed that a case has been registered against Patel under Section 249 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. His mobile phone has been seized, and police are examining his call detail records and financial transactions.

Nida Khan was arrested on Thursday night (May 7) from Kaiser Colony in Naregaon by a joint team of city police and Nashik police. She had been absconding since late March after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected. Earlier, police had tracked her movements in Mumbra, Thane, but she allegedly fled before they could reach her. For the past five days, Khan had reportedly been staying in a flat in Naregaon with her parents and brother. Police claim Patel facilitated her stay. Acting on specific inputs, a joint operation was launched on May 5. She was arrested in a late-night raid, produced before a magistrate for transit remand, and subsequently handed over to Nashik police. A case related to the alleged conversion is registered at Deolali Camp police station in Nashik, where eight suspects have been detained so far. The alleged involvement of a political representative has intensified political reactions across the state.

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Corporator questioned by police

Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik said corporator Matin Patel was questioned for allegedly sheltering the accused. A case has been registered against him under Section 249 of the BNS. His mobile phone has been seized, and police are scrutinising his call records and financial transactions. The political angle has drawn statewide attention.

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Timeline of the Case

2022: Khan joined TCS Nashik BPO.

Late 2025: Transferred to Mumbai; worked at Powai and Malad centres.

March 26: FIR filed against Khan, Danish Shaikh and Tausif Attar for alleged religious conversion, promoting enmity and sexual coercion.

March 27: Shaikh and Attar arrested; Khan absconded.

April: Multiple police raids in Nashik, Bhiwandi and Mumbra.

April 17: Khan filed for anticipatory bail.

May 2: Bail rejected; SIT intensified search.

May 7: Khan arrested from Naregaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

May 8: Remanded to police custody until Monday by Nashik Road Court.