Just when a string of allegations of forced religious conversions and sexual harassment at a TCS-linked BPO in Nashik shocked the nation, another similar incident has surfaced from the other end of Maharashtra, in Nagpur. Now, an NGO owner, Riyaz Kazi, has been arrested over alleged religious conversion and molestation within his organisation, following complaints from workers.
Kazi, who runs NGOs named Fikar Foundation and Padhe Hum, Padhaye Hum, used the NGO as a front to pressure women into religious conversion, enforce Islamic dress codes, and compel them to follow specific religious practices.
According to the police, the accused also faces charges of coercion. The complainants include women who were working within the NGO itself. Based on their statements, the Mankapur Police carried out the arrest.
Inspector Harish Kalsekar of Mankapur Police Station confirmed Kazi’s arrest and said the investigation is ongoing. Police are also investigating how many women were allegedly pressured by Qazi for religious conversion. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also joined the probe.
Officials are now examining the funding sources of the NGOs and investigating how many women may have been pressured into conversion. Authorities are also looking into the extent of coercion and misconduct linked to the accused.
The development comes amid the TCS conversion case, which shocked the nation and led to multiple arrests. In that case, complaints alleged that a group targeted women employees aged 18 to 25.
Nine FIRs have been registered so far, including one by a male employee who reported religious harassment and attempted conversion. The complaints cited abuse of Hindu deities, forced consumption of non-vegetarian food, and pressure to adopt certain religious practices.
