The sessions court in Nashik has scheduled June 19 to hear the prosecution’s response to the regular bail applications filed by three Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees. The accused, a woman and two male colleagues, face allegations of sexual assault and religious harassment.
Case Background
The trio was arrested by the Deolali Camp police following an FIR registered on March 26. The court’s decision came after extensive in-camera arguments presented by the defense on Friday.
Defense Arguments
Advocates Rahul Kasliwal and Baba Sayyad, representing the woman employee (accused No. 3) and accused No. 2, argued that the chargesheet had already been filed and the investigation was complete. They emphasized that no further recovery was required from their clients. Additionally, they highlighted that the woman accused was pregnant and needed proper medical care. The defense also contended that rape charges were not applicable to her, noting that the offense of hurting religious sentiments carries a maximum punishment of three years.
Advocate Faiz Wasif, representing accused No. 1, submitted that his client was arrested within hours of the FIR being lodged. After an initial five-day police remand, the court had rejected the police’s request for a seven-day extension and instead remanded the accused to magisterial custody. Wasif argued that this indicated custodial interrogation was no longer necessary. He also flagged what he described as key “loopholes” in the chargesheet that favor his client.
Next Hearing
The court will now hear the prosecution’s response on June 19 before deciding on the bail pleas.
