20 March,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Pawar. Pic/PTI
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Friday demanded a thorough investigation into alleged incidents of black magic carried out near the residences of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, terming the claims "deeply disturbing" and calling for identification of those behind the acts, reported news agency PTI.
Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28 along with four others.
Rohit Pawar cited statements made by party colleague Amol Mitkari, who had raised concerns on social media about alleged rituals conducted outside Ajit Pawar's residence in Sahyog Society on Bhigwan Road in Pune district, as well as near the Devgiri bungalow in Mumbai, reported PTI.
According to the claims, the activities were reportedly linked to an astrologer based in Nashik.
The Karjat-Jamkhed MLA urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive probe into the sequence of events and identify individuals who may have commissioned such acts, reported PTI.
"In a progressive state like Maharashtra, there is no place for superstition or fraudulent practices. The information emerging makes the matter extremely serious," Pawar said, reported PTI.
He also sought clarity on whether there was any political motive behind the alleged incidents.
Earlier, Amol Mitkari had alleged that the rituals, reportedly carried out in November 2025, were connected to a self-styled astrologer, Ashokkumar Kharat, who he described as a "fraudulent godman," reported PTI.
Mitkari also raised questions regarding Kharat's alleged connections and sought answers about possible links between the astrologer and individuals close to Ajit Pawar.
The NCP (SP) leader also questioned circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar's travel shortly before his death, including his decision to fly in a VSR-operated aircraft, reported PTI.
He asked whether the change in travel plans and any possible associations with the astrologer warranted further scrutiny.
Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer who presented himself as an astrologer, was recently arrested in Nashik in connection with an alleged sexual assault case and has been remanded in police custody.
Rohit Pawar reiterated the need for transparency and accountability, stating that authorities must investigate all angles to establish the facts and address public concerns surrounding the allegations.
(With inputs from PTI)
