A chargesheet will be filed against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat within 60 days. So far, 30 witnesses have been examined, and their testimonies are expected to play a crucial role. The Special Investigation Team’s cyber team has deleted 4,650 obscene links linked to Kharat, while 450 social media accounts have been permanently removed.
Documents related to Kharat’s properties have been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), SIT chief Tejaswi Satpute said during a press conference. However, Satpute declined to share further details about the investigation.
Also Read | Maharashtra Cyber Registers FIR Over Viral Obscene Videos Linked to Ashok Kharat.
Out of 12 cases registered against Kharat, nine are being probed by the SIT, of which eight involve crimes against women. Preliminary investigation suggests that these offences were committed deliberately. The first case was registered on March 18, and the first chargesheet will be filed within 60 days from that date.
Kharat allegedly committed these crimes by claiming to possess divine powers, targeting women. Satpute also chose not to respond to several questions raised by media persons, including alleged financial links between Kharat and former State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, call data records accessed by police, and his possible political connections.
Most of the cases involve serious charges such as assault and sexual exploitation. Victimised women have come forward with courage, Satpute added.