26 April,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image
A court in Nashik on Sunday remanded self-styled astrologer and godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody till May 9 in connection with the sixth case of alleged sexual exploitation registered against him, as investigations continue to widen across multiple complaints.
According to police, the latest case pertains to a young woman who had approached Kharat seeking help for personal issues. Investigators allege that he sexually exploited her and threatened to harm her family using so-called "divine powers" if she resisted or spoke out.
Officials said Kharat had also collected sensitive documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards belonging to the woman's family members, allegedly to exert pressure and control.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing at least 12 cases registered against Kharat in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. These include eight cases of sexual exploitation and four cases of financial fraud.
The SIT had moved an application seeking custody of Kharat in the sixth case, which was granted by the court. After completing his police custody, he was produced before the court again on Sunday, following which he was sent to judicial custody.
Due to security concerns, the hearing was conducted via video conferencing, and Kharat was not physically present in court.
Police indicated that Kharat will be produced again before the court to seek custody in a seventh case related to alleged sexual harassment. Authorities said additional complaints have also been registered in other parts of Maharashtra, taking the number of related cases beyond those currently under investigation.
Apart from sexual exploitation charges, Kharat is also facing serious allegations of financial fraud. In a separate case registered recently, he is accused of cheating his former Chartered Accountant of Rs 8.76 crore between 2018 and 2023.
The complainant, who was once a close associate and trustee of Kharat's Shivanika Trust, alleged that Kharat used fear tactics, including claims of impending harm to family members, to extract money under the pretext of performing rituals.
Investigators have also recovered suspicious and objectionable video material from Kharat's farmhouse located in Sinnar taluka. According to the complaint, a cook employed at the property allegedly recorded activities on CCTV cameras despite instructions to switch them off.
The SIT is currently analysing the recovered material as part of its broader probe into Kharat's activities.
Kharat, who was arrested on March 18, now faces a growing number of charges, including sexual exploitation, intimidation, and financial fraud. With multiple cases across districts and further investigations underway, authorities expect more developments in the coming days as victims continue to come forward.
