A Nagpur-based NGO, Universal Multipurpose Society, allegedly helping impoverished kids, is currently under severe scrutiny after police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against its president for sexual abuse, religious coercion and cyberstalking of numerous young women, reported The Times of India. The accused, identified as Riyaz Fazil Qazi, was arrested after the complaint was registered at the Mankapur police station on 18th April (Saturday) at around 10 pm.
A broader investigation has been sparked, and intelligence agencies have also joined the case. According to sources, the state Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has started a parallel inquiry into the organisation’s history, financial dealings and potential connections outside of its purported social welfare operations.
The primary claimant is a 23-year-old woman who has been employed by the NGO since September 2023 as the chief of administration and human resources. According to the FIR, Qazi summoned her to his cabin at about 1 pm on 18th July 2024 after celebrating her birthday at the office. He hugged her against her will, kissed her forehead and expressed, “I don’t want to leave you today.” She stated that her fear of losing her position prevented her from voicing her disapproval.
The complainant added that the accused repeatedly tried to embrace her and even disconnected the CCTV before doing so. She accused that he treated her disrespectfully after rejecting his unwanted advances. She disclosed that collected details about her from others and groped her when she was by herself.
The victim also charged Qazi with setting up a bogus Instagram account using a combination of their names to track the movements of female employees and volunteers. According to the FIR, her older sister, who became part of the NGO in November 2025 as an assistant project manager, was reportedly forced by him to wear specific attire that covered her entire body and repeat Islamic prayers to ensure safe travels on field visits.
Qazi even discussed the woman with her sister, who left within two months. She asserted that his actions caused other staff members to resign, including a 24-year-old teacher who was hired by the NGO in 2024. According to her, several reported instances of leering or efforts to impose Islamic religious practices even though they were non-Muslims.
The perpetrator even contacted the mother of a former employee via phone on 13th April. According to the complainant, Qazi used disparaging language, labelling her, her sister, their acquaintances and associates “call girls” and “prostitutes,” carrying out “night activities,” and advised the family to stay away from them. On 17th April, coworkers shared a recording of a similar discussion. On 18th April, the NGO office was discovered to be shuttered when the concerned individuals went there, after which they notified the authorities.
The NGO is located around one kilometre from the Mankapur police station and asserts that it has been in operation since 2010. It defines itself as actively participating in a variety of social work activities, such as health camps, education-related activities and aid for disadvantaged children in places like the Mankapur slums. It is also connected to a number of foundations and community activities.
CCTV video, call logs, social media activity, testimonies from other employees and family members, along with the audio recordings referenced in the complaint are going to be reviewed by police. Haresh Kalsekar, Senior Inspector of Mankapur police station informed, “On Sunday, we produced Qazi before court which granted custody remand till 23rd April. We will probe the case from different angles.” Moreover, he pointed out that 3 women have come forward to file complaints and more are likely to follow suit.
Qazi has been booked under multiple sections including 74 for assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, 75(2), 78(2), 296 for obscene acts, 302(1) for hurting religious sentiments and 356(2) for defamation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) alongside section 66-B of the Information Technology Act for illegal utilisation of social media accounts to stalk women.
Notably, these fresh revelations have come to light subsequent to a significant sexual harassment and conversion racket at TCS BPO in Nashik, linked to a gang of Muslim team leaders.
