Ashok Kharat Case: SIT Questions 105 Witnesses, Files Charge Sheets In Sexual Assault Cases

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile Ashok Kharat case, which has triggered outrage across Maharashtra, has significantly intensified its investigation. Kharat remained in police custody for a total of 49 days in connection with multiple criminal cases. So far, investigators have questioned more than 105 witnesses while strengthening the chain of evidence against him. The SIT has already filed charge sheets in court in two sexual assault cases linked to Kharat. Officials stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly, with teams collecting oral, documentary, electronic, circumstantial, and physical evidence to ensure that the prosecution’s case against the accused remains legally strong and comprehensive before the court proceedings begin.

Ashok Kharat is facing 17 criminal cases registered across Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, including allegations of sexual exploitation of women, extortion, land grabbing, and fraud. Out of these, the SIT is currently investigating 11 cases, eight of which involve allegations of sexual abuse against women. The remaining cases include one related to cheating and two concerning false extortion complaints allegedly filed by Kharat against witnesses and complainants to pressure them. Investigators revealed that Kharat allegedly exploited people’s religious beliefs by falsely claiming to possess divine powers. He reportedly threatened families with death predictions and used objects like stones, rudraksha beads, and tamarind seeds to deceive victims and extort money from them.

Also Read: Pune Hospital Bomb Scare: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Confirms Bomb Was Real IED, Terror Angle Under Probe

The SIT further stated that Kharat also allegedly blackmailed women by threatening to defame them and used this intimidation to sexually exploit several victims. His activities connected to spreading superstition in the Ishaneshwar temple area have now come under intense scrutiny. Officials confirmed that action is underway to file detailed charge sheets based on multiple categories of evidence gathered during the probe. Under Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), filing a charge sheet within 60 days in crimes related to women is mandatory. The first sexual assault case against Kharat was registered on March 17, 2026, followed by seven additional complaints within a week. SIT officials said supplementary charge sheets may also be submitted later depending on fresh evidence.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the case involved objectionable videos of victimized women being circulated on social media platforms. The SIT’s cyber unit, working in coordination with Maharashtra Cyber authorities, has succeeded in removing 13,175 internet links containing the objectionable content. In addition, authorities permanently blocked 451 social media accounts allegedly involved in repeatedly sharing the videos and related posts online. Police have already registered two criminal cases specifically concerning the circulation of these clips. Investigators said strict cyber monitoring is continuing to prevent the reappearance of such content on digital platforms while ensuring the privacy and dignity of the victims connected to the sensitive investigation.