Nagpur NGO President Faces Multiple Charges Including Sexual Abuse and Religious Coercion
The president of a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in northwest Nagpur has been arrested following serious allegations of sexual abuse, religious coercion, defamation, and cyberstalking. The case has drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies, including the state Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which has initiated a parallel investigation into the organization's background and financial activities.
Immediate Arrest and Legal Framework
Riyaz Fazil Qazi, the accused president, was taken into custody immediately after the First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Mankapur police station on Saturday evening around 10 PM. Police have invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act, to address the comprehensive nature of the allegations.
The charges include:
- Section 74: Assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
- Sections 75(2), 78(2), and 296: Obscene acts and related offenses
- Section 302(1): Hurting religious sentiments
- Section 356(2): Defamation
- Section 66-B of the IT Act: Unauthorized use of social media accounts for stalking
Detailed Allegations from the Main Complainant
The primary complainant is a 23-year-old woman who has served as the administration and HR head at the NGO since September 2023. According to her FIR statement, the alleged abuse began on her birthday, July 18, 2024, when Qazi called her to his cabin after office celebrations. She claims he hugged her against her will, kissed her forehead, and made inappropriate remarks, leaving her too fearful to protest due to concerns about job security.
The survivor further detailed repeated attempts at physical contact, including an incident where Qazi allegedly unplugged CCTV cameras before trying to embrace her. She reported that his behavior turned rude after she objected to his advances, and he gathered personal information about her from other staff members.
Cyberstalking and Religious Coercion
A particularly disturbing aspect of the case involves cyberstalking. The complainant accused Qazi of creating a fake Instagram account that combined elements of both their names to monitor the movements of female staff and volunteers. This digital harassment added a layer of intimidation to the physical and emotional abuse already described.
Religious coercion also features prominently in the allegations. The survivor's elder sister, who joined the NGO as an assistant project manager in November 2025, was reportedly forced by Qazi to recite prayers of a specific religion for safe travel during field visits. She was also instructed to wear full-body covering clothes and perform religious rituals, despite being from a different faith background.
Defamation and Wider Impact
The case took a more serious turn with allegations of defamation. On April 13, Qazi allegedly made a phone call to the mother of a former employee, using derogatory language to label the survivor, her sister, and their associates as "call girls" and "prostitutes" involved in "night activities." A recording of a similar conversation was reportedly shared among colleagues on April 17, prompting the affected group to approach the NGO office the following day, only to find it closed.
The complainant stated that other employees, including a 24-year-old teacher who worked with the NGO in 2024, left their positions due to Qazi's inappropriate behavior. Some cited leering or attempts to impose religious customs despite their different religious backgrounds.
Organizational Background and Investigation
The NGO, located approximately one kilometer from the Mankapur police station, claims to have been operational since 2010. It positions itself as engaged in multipurpose social work, including educational activities, health camps, and support for underprivileged children in areas like the Mankapur slums. The organization is also associated with various community events and foundations.
Police are conducting a thorough investigation that includes examining CCTV footage, call records, social media activity, and statements from other staff and family members. Senior Inspector Haresh Kalsekar of Mankapur police station confirmed that Qazi has been produced before the court, which granted custody remand until April 23. Kalsekar also noted that three women have come forward to lodge complaints, with more expected to submit statements as the investigation progresses.
This case follows recent similar incidents in Maharashtra, including alleged sexual and religious harassment at the TCS Nashik unit and a sex scandal in Amravati district's Paratwada, highlighting ongoing concerns about workplace safety and religious freedom in the region.
