A holiday court in Nashik on Sunday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to police custody till April 23 in connection with a fifth case of alleged sexual assault and exploitation registered against him, reported PTI.
Kharat, who was arrested on March 18 following a rape complaint filed by a 35-year-old woman at Sarkarwada police station, has since been named in multiple cases involving allegations of sexual abuse and financial fraud.
Fifth Case Adds to Mounting Charges
According to police, Kharat was formally arrested in the fifth case on Saturday. In this instance, he is accused of cheating the complainant by claiming supernatural powers and presenting himself as a divine figure to gain trust and exploit victims, reported PTI.
Investigators allege that he used deception and manipulation to commit offences, with similar patterns emerging across multiple complaints filed against him.
Court Proceedings and Custody Demand
Kharat was produced before the court via video conferencing on Sunday, where police sought five days of custody for further investigation, reported PTI.
His counsel, advocate Sachin Thore, opposed the plea, arguing that the allegations across cases were similar in nature and that sufficient custody had already been granted to investigators, reported PTI.
However, government lawyers Shailendra Bagade and Kiran Bendbhar told the court that each complaint involved distinct circumstances and required separate, detailed investigation, reported PTI.
After hearing both sides, the court granted police custody till April 23, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for thorough inquiry.
Medical Request by Accused
During the hearing, Kharat, through his lawyer, requested permission to consult a neurosurgeon for shoulder pain, stating that painkillers were not providing relief, reported PTI.
The court directed authorities to ensure appropriate medical treatment during routine examinations at a civil hospital while he remains in custody.
SIT Probing Multiple Cases
The Maharashtra government has constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the series of cases registered against Kharat, which include allegations of sexual assault and financial fraud, reported PTI.
Officials said he is currently facing at least 12 criminal cases across Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts, including eight cases related to sexual offences.
Political Row Intensifies
The case has triggered a political controversy, with photographs of Kharat alongside political leaders and prominent individuals circulating widely in the public domain.
The developments have raised questions about his influence and connections, adding a political dimension to the ongoing investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
