Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur
Nagpur, Apr 20: At a time when allegations of forced religious conversions and sexual harassment at a TCS-linked BPO in Nashik drew national attention, a similar case has surfaced in Nagpur, involving an NGO owner accused of coercion and misconduct within his organisation.
Police said the development has raised fresh concerns about workplace safety and alleged religious pressure in professional spaces.
Reacting to the case, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a thorough investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
“In this matter, we are keeping a close watch. A full investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against the accused,” he said.
The accused, identified as Riyaz Fazil Qazi, runs organisations including Fikar Foundation and Padhe Hum, Padhaye Hum. He has been arrested following complaints by workers. The organisation, also referred to as Universal Multipurpose Society, is currently under investigation.
According to police, Qazi allegedly used the NGO as a front to pressure women into religious conversion, enforce Islamic dress codes and compel them to follow certain religious practices.
The arrest was made after a complaint was filed at Mankapur Police Station on Saturday night. Police have launched a detailed probe into the NGO’s activities, including its funding and financial transactions. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has also joined the investigation.
The primary complaint was filed by a 23-year-old woman who had been working as the administration and HR head at the NGO since September 2023.
She alleged that on July 18, 2024, during her birthday celebration at the office, Qazi called her to his cabin, hugged her without consent and kissed her forehead, stating he did not want her to leave that day. According to the FIR, she did not resist due to fear of losing her job.
The complainant further alleged repeated incidents of harassment, including attempts by the accused to hug her on multiple occasions. In one instance, he allegedly switched off a CCTV camera before trying to embrace her. She also accused him of inappropriate touching when she was alone and of collecting her personal information through colleagues.
The FIR states that Qazi allegedly created a fake Instagram account using parts of his name and the complainant’s name to monitor the movements of female staff and volunteers.
Another allegation pertains to a phone call made on April 13 to a former employee’s mother, during which he allegedly used abusive language and made defamatory remarks about the complainant, her sister and their associates. An audio clip of a similar conversation was reportedly circulated among staff on April 17.
When the complainant and others visited the NGO office on April 18, they found it locked and subsequently approached the police.
The complainant also alleged that her elder sister, who joined the NGO in November 2025 as an assistant project manager, was pressured to follow specific religious practices during field visits, including reciting prayers and wearing full-body covering clothes. Following discussions, her sister resigned within two months.
Police said several other employees have also reportedly left the organisation, with some alleging attempts to impose religious practices despite differing faiths.
The NGO, located about 1 km from Mankapur police station, claims to have been operating since 2010, working in the fields of education, health camps and welfare programmes for underprivileged children.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, call records, social media activity, audio clips and statements from employees and their families. They are also probing whether more women faced similar pressure within the organisation.
Senior inspector Haresh Kalsekar said the court has remanded the accused to police custody till April 23. He added that at least three women have already come forward with complaints and more statements are expected.
Police said the case is being investigated from multiple angles as the probe continues.