Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat was arrested on March 18 for allegedly raping a woman repeatedly over the past three years. During the investigation, authorities discovered several videos showing the exploitation of women
CM Fadnavis stated that all victims were being provided full protection, including safeguarding their identities. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that strict criminal action will be taken against those circulating obscene videos of women victims linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat on social media, reported the PTI.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said more victims are coming forward in the case and additional FIRs are likely to be registered.
The Chief Minister stated that all victims were being provided full protection, including safeguarding their identities.
Kharat was arrested on March 18 for allegedly raping a woman repeatedly over the past three years. During the investigation, authorities discovered several videos showing the exploitation of women.
SIT probe underway
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government is currently probing at least six cases linked to Ashok Kharat, including allegations of rape, human sacrifice, and black magic.
Two arrested, six booked in state
Meanwhile, police in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district have arrested two persons, while six others have been booked in Nashik for allegedly circulating obscene videos of women victims linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat on social media, reported the PTI.
Kharat was arrested on March 18 for allegedly raping a woman repeatedly over the past three years.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered several videos showing the exploitation of women.
Officials said that some of these clips were later found circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp, prompting immediate action by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), as per the PTI.
According to police, a resident of Kopargaon allegedly shared one such video on a WhatsApp group, which was then forwarded to others. Based on this, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Two accused have been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace another individual involved in forwarding the content, police said.
Six booked in Nashik
Meanwhile, in a related development, six individuals have been booked in Nashik for circulating similar objectionable videos.
Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Ghughe warned that anyone sharing such content, including social media group administrators, would face strict legal action.
Appeal from SIT
IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, who is leading the SIT probe, has urged the public, media, and social media users not to share or publish any videos of the victims.
The SIT is currently investigating at least six cases linked to Kharat, including allegations of rape, human sacrifice, and black magic.
(with PTI inputs)
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