A court in Nashik on Wednesday ordered self-proclaimed astrologer and godman Ashok Kharat to remain in judicial custody until May 12 in connection with the seventh sexual exploitation case filed against him. According to investigators, Kharat allegedly targeted several women by claiming to possess supernatural powers and expertise in black magic. Authorities have also accused him of cheating people financially on a large scale under the guise of spiritual guidance. The latest complaint was lodged by a married woman who had approached him seeking remedies for domestic issues. Police say the case forms part of a wider probe involving multiple allegations of sexual abuse and fraud.
In the latest case, the survivor alleged that Kharat offered her a drink before sexually assaulting her inside his office while her husband waited outside. She further claimed that he threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone. Earlier, the court had granted custody of Kharat to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) till Wednesday for interrogation. After his police remand ended, he was produced before the court through video conferencing due to security concerns. The prosecution sought judicial custody to continue the investigation, and the court approved the request, remanding him till May 12 as inquiries continue into the allegations.
The controversy surrounding Kharat has also taken a political turn after photographs showing him with several politicians and influential personalities surfaced following his arrest on March 18. The SIT is currently probing 12 cases related to alleged sexual exploitation and financial misconduct registered in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar claimed that Kharat may have links to the fatal plane crash involving his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He alleged that occult rituals were performed near Ajit Pawar’s residence through a local political leader and demanded that the CID thoroughly investigate Kharat’s alleged connections and activities.