Nashik 'Corporate Jihad' Case: BJP Stages Protest Over Sexual Exploitation, Forced Conversions

The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday flagged what it described as a rise of a "new breed" of Hindutva proponents in Maharashtra, alleging that their outrage over crimes against women is driven more by political convenience than consistent moral standards.

In an editorial published in its mouthpiece, Saamana, the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led faction referred to the ongoing controversy in Nashik over allegations of "Corporate Jihad," where Muslim employees of a multinational IT firm have been accused of luring Hindu women with job offers, sexually exploiting them, and allegedly pressuring them into religious conversion.

The editorial noted that BJP leaders, including minister Nitesh Rane and legislator Gopichand Padalkar, have led aggressive protests on the issue. While acknowledging that outrage against such crimes is justified, it criticised the intense political framing, particularly around "Love Jihad."

At the same time, the party questioned what it called a "shameless inconsistency," alleging that similar outrage is missing in cases involving local accused such as self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and NGO operator Ravindra Erande. It claimed that despite serious allegations of large-scale sexual exploitation and blackmail involving multiple victims, these cases have not received equal political attention.

The editorial argued that women's safety should be treated as a secular issue, irrespective of the accused's religion. It added that "true Hindutva" lies in protecting women and opposing exploitation and superstition in all forms.

According to the Thackeray-led faction, if there is genuine intent to secure justice for women in Nashik, political leaders must also address wrongdoing within their own circles with equal urgency.

In the Corporate Jihad case, complaints from several employees have led to multiple FIRs being registered at Mumbai Naka Police Station, with seven arrests made so far. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter, even as the BJP staged protests outside the company's office.

According to the complaints, certain team leaders and HR personnel allegedly targeted junior-level female employees aged between 18 and 26. The accused are alleged to have engaged in sexual harassment, used obscene language, made derogatory remarks about the women's bodies and attire, and resorted to blackmail. There are also allegations that some Hindu employees were coerced into offering Namaz, forced to consume beef, subjected to offensive remarks about Hindu deities, and pressured for religious conversion. A male employee has also filed a complaint claiming his religious sentiments were hurt.

(With inputs from IANS)