Police in Maharashtra have registered a case against AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel in connection with an ongoing investigation into a religious conversion case in Nashik. Law enforcement officials stated that the case was registered after allegations surfaced that the politician had sheltered and concealed the prime accused, Nida Khan. Jaleel had earlier made public statements expressing unequivocal support for Khan, asserting that he would stand by her regardless of the situation.
Action Triggered by Interrogation of Co-Accused
The decision to file the FIR came following significant revelations made by another arrested accused, Mateen Patel, during police interrogation. Patel informed investigators that Jaleel was fully aware of the precise location where Nida Khan was hiding. Furthermore, Jaleel himself had publicly acknowledged having met Nida Khan in Mumbai while reiterating his intention to back her despite the ongoing criminal probe.
Previous Case Under the SC/ST Act
This is not the first instance where Imtiaz Jaleel has faced criminal charges in the state. Last year, an FIR was registered against him under the SC/ST Act following a complaint lodged at the Kranti Chowk police station by a worker affiliated with the Republican Party of India (Athawale).
That earlier dispute dates back to June 11, 2025, when Jaleel made public allegations regarding land transactions against Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat. The complainant alleged that Minister Shirsat belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and that Jaleel repeatedly used the term 'Harijan' during his remarks to insult the community. Police subsequently registered a case under Section 3(1)(r) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Jaleel has also drawn political scrutiny in the past over several other aggressive public remarks.
