Nashik TCS case targeting educated Muslims, says Owaisi
Chhatrapati, Sambhajinagar: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the ongoing media coverage and political discourse surrounding the Nashik TCS case involving allegations of sexual exploitation and forced religious conversion.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Asaduddin Owaisi addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Indian state of Maharashtra, asserted that the matter should be resolved solely by the courts and not through public narratives or television debates.
“There are nine FIRs in the case. Nida Khan has been accused of hurting religious sentiments in one of them. Nobody can give a verdict except the court. We condemn this media trial,” Owaisi said.
He claimed the case is part of a larger effort to harass educated Muslim youth and expressed confidence that the judiciary would ultimately declare the accused innocent.
Owaisi pointed out that Nida Khan was not part of the human resources department at Tata Consultancy Services and had already been transferred before the complaint was filed. He also alleged that the complainant has links to the ruling party.
The AIMIM leader criticised the police for emphasising the recovery of a burqa, hijab, and religious books during searches, questioning what such findings prove. “Every Muslim household has these items. Since when has wearing a burqa become illegal?” he asked.
He emphasised that mere allegations do not establish guilt and that the burden of proof lies on the accusers to establish the crime beyond reasonable doubt. Drawing parallels with the 2006 Malegaon blasts and Mumbai train blasts cases, where many accused were later acquitted after their lives were ruined, Owaisi warned against prejudging the case.
The controversy escalated after police alleged that AIMIM corporator Matin Patel helped shelter Nida Khan. Patel has been booked in the case. Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has accused AIMIM leaders of aiding Khan and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, claiming a “love jihad” conspiracy.
The case has sparked sharp political reactions, with ruling alliance leaders attacking AIMIM, while opposition and minority groups have raised concerns over communal narratives and media coverage. KMS—18A
