Asaduddin Owaisi on TCS Nashik case: Planned bid to trouble educated Muslim youths

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday alleged that the Nashik TCS sexual exploitation and religious harassment case was an "intentional attempt to trouble educated Muslim youths," claiming the matter would not stand legal scrutiny.

"The court will do justice and declare the accused innocent. The case is not going to withstand the legal test," Owaisi told reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while also alleging a media trial in the case.





Referring to the recent arrest of a female TCS staffer from the residence of AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel, Owaisi said the corporator would contest the matter legally. "Let them (parties in govt) target us. At least they are not calling us the B team (of BJP). We will face it," he said, adding that it was "absolutely wrong to link the matter with his party" as its functionaries were unaware of the incident.

Owaisi said only one of the nine FIRs filed in the case named the woman for hurting religious sentiments. "As per the TCS statement, the staffer was not part of the HR team and she was transferred. The complainant in the case is a member of the ruling party. Nobody can deliver a verdict in the matter except the court," he said.

The AIMIM chief said the police recovered only "a burqa, nakaab and a book on Prophet Muhammad" during searches, adding these items were not illegal. "If anybody is accused, it is not necessary that the person will be punished. Those who are making allegations have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime has taken place," he said, claiming the charges were based on "hate."

Owaisi further said the case was being "hyped," drawing parallels with the Malegaon blast case, Mumbai train bombings and Delhi riots where, he claimed, accused were later acquitted.

Separately, a Shiv Sena delegation led by deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal submitted a memorandum to the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police commissioner seeking action against those who allegedly sheltered the accused staffer. "Giving shelter to an absconding person is a crime and, therefore, criminal action must be taken against those who are involved," Janjal said.

Owaisi, who was in the city for a party workshop on electoral roll revision, also referred to the Vande Mataram row, noting that Rabindranath Tagore had expressed reservations about making it a national song due to objections from Muslims.