While former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel is performing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a controversy back home in Maharashtra has unexpectedly brought his name into the spotlight. Jaleel, a prominent AIMIM leader and former Member of Parliament from Aurangabad, has been mentioned in the chargesheet, which is related to the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case linked to the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
His name is not mentioned as an accused, but police sources indicate that investigators may soon seek his statement as part of the ongoing probe.
The development has attracted attention because of repeated references to Jaleel by AIMIM corporator Matin Patel during police questioning.
Why Is Imtiaz Jaleel’s Name in the TCS Case?
The Nashik Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating nine cases connected to allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversion involving employees at the TCS office in Nashik. According to the chargesheet and witness statements, AIMIM corporator Matin Patel repeatedly mentioned Imtiaz Jaleel’s name when questioned about the whereabouts of Nida Khan, one of the accused in the case.
Investigators claim that Nida Khan was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 7 and that Patel had allegedly provided her shelter before her arrest. During questioning, Patel reportedly responded several times by saying, “You will have to ask Imtiaz Jaleel Saheb.”
These statements have now become part of the investigation, which is prompting police to consider summoning Jaleel for questioning to understand his possible knowledge of the events under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, TCS has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion. The company has also confirmed that employees allegedly involved in the case have been suspended pending further investigation.
Who Is Imtiaz Jaleel?
Imtiaz Jaleel Syed is one of Maharashtra’s most recognised AIMIM leaders. He was born on August 10, 1968, in Aurangabad (which is now named as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). He comes from an educated family. His father, Syed Abdul Jaleel, was a civil surgeon, while his brother worked as a manager with Jet Airways.
Jaleel pursued higher education at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, earning an MBA in 1996 and later a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism in 2000.
Before entering politics, he built a successful career in journalism. He worked with leading media organisations such as Lokmat and NDTV, gaining recognition as a reporter and television journalist.
Imtiaz Jaleel Career: From Journalism to Politics
Jaleel entered active politics in 2014 when he contested the Maharashtra Assembly election from the Aurangabad Central constituency on an AIMIM ticket. Despite having only a few weeks to campaign, he defeated sitting Shiv Sena MLA Pradeep Jaiswal with a margin of nearly 20,000 votes, marking AIMIM’s significant entry into Maharashtra politics.
Under his leadership, AIMIM won 25 seats in the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation elections in 2015. He is also raised public issues, including reducing MRI scan charges at a government hospital and pushing for a dedicated women and children’s hospital through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Jaleel reached national prominence in 2019 when AIMIM, in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), fielded him from the Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency.
Backed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Jaleel secured a narrow but significant victory over four-time Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire by just 4,492 votes. Political observers credited his campaign strategy and alliance support for helping him attract votes from Dalits, minorities, and other marginalised communities.
Political Journey After Parliament
Apart from serving as an MP, Jaleel has also held important responsibilities within AIMIM and currently serves as the party’s Maharashtra state president. Since 2021, he has also been associated with the Maharashtra Waqf Board.
However, his political fortunes suffered a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when he lost to Shiv Sena candidate Sandipanrao Bhumre by over 1.34 lakh votes.
What Happens Next?
At present, Imtiaz Jaleel has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the Nashik TCS case. His name appears in the chargesheet because of references made during the investigation.
With the SIT continuing its probe into multiple linked cases, investigators may soon issue a summons to record Jaleel’s statement and determine whether he has information relevant to the case.
Until then, the former MP remains a key political figure whose unexpected mention in the chargesheet has added a new dimension to one of Maharashtra’s most closely watched investigations.
