27 April,2026 05:14 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
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A court in Nashik has remanded self-styled astrologer and godman Ashok Kharat to three-day police custody till April 29 in connection with the seventh case of alleged sexual exploitation registered against him, as investigations continue to widen across multiple complaints, reported PTI.
According to investigators, the latest case involves a married woman who had approached Kharat seeking solutions to family-related problems. Police allege that Kharat administered an intoxicating substance to the woman and sexually assaulted her while her husband was waiting outside his office, reported PTI.
Officials further claimed that the accused threatened to kill the woman if she disclosed the incident, adding to the seriousness of the charges.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing at least 12 cases registered against Kharat across Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. These include allegations of sexual exploitation as well as financial fraud, with investigators examining patterns in the complaints, reported PTI.
The SIT moved an application before the court seeking custody of Kharat in the seventh case, arguing that further interrogation was necessary to uncover additional evidence.
During the hearing, conducted via video conferencing, the prosecution sought six days of police custody, citing the discovery of new material during the investigation. Authorities informed the court about a locker found at Kharat's residence, from which blank cheques and other documents were recovered, reported PTI.
The court granted police custody for three days, allowing investigators time to examine the newly recovered material and its possible links to the ongoing cases, reported PTI.
Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer who was arrested on March 18, is accused of exploiting women by claiming to possess divine powers and knowledge of black magic. Investigators have also accused him of running financial fraud schemes, allegedly extracting money from victims under various pretexts.
The case has drawn significant public and political attention, with images of Kharat alongside political figures and prominent individuals circulating widely since his arrest. These developments have raised questions about his connections and influence.
Authorities indicated that more cases could emerge as the investigation progresses, with additional complaints already being examined. The SIT is expected to continue its probe into both the criminal allegations and financial transactions linked to Kharat.
With multiple cases under investigation and fresh evidence being reviewed, the case is likely to remain in focus in the coming days as law enforcement agencies seek to build a comprehensive case against the accused.
(With inputs from PTI)
