​

A court in Nashik on Tuesday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to five days of police custody in connection with a fourth rape case, where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman who had approached him for help with personal and family issues, reported PTI.

The order was passed by the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A G Behere, which allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take Kharat into custody until April 18 for further investigation, reported PTI.

SIT seeks custody citing need for further investigation

The SIT probing multiple cases against Kharat had moved an application seeking his custody in the latest case. After securing permission, officials produced the accused before the court via video-conferencing on Tuesday.

Public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde argued that further custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover details related to the allegations. He told the court that the accused had allegedly administered sedatives to the complainant before sexually assaulting her, reported PTI.

Investigators maintained that additional questioning could help establish the sequence of events and gather crucial evidence in the case.

Defence opposes remand, cites prolonged custody

Kharat’s counsel, Satish Bhate, opposed the SIT’s plea, arguing that the accused had already been in police custody for a considerable period. He contended that since the SIT had been investigating the matter, further remand was not required, reported PTI.

The defence urged the court to deny additional custody, stating that continued detention was unnecessary at this stage of the investigation.

Court grants custody considering seriousness of charges

After hearing both sides, the court granted the SIT’s request, citing the serious and sensitive nature of the allegations. The magistrate allowed police custody till April 18 to enable further probe into the case, reported PTI.

The proceedings were conducted through video conferencing, with both prosecution and defence presenting their arguments before the court.

Multiple cases registered against the accused

Kharat, a former merchant navy officer, is currently facing nearly a dozen criminal cases, including at least eight related to sexual assault. The latest development marks the fourth rape case registered against him, reported PTI.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the multiple complaints, with the SIT examining evidence and statements from victims.

Probe ongoing amid serious allegations

Officials said the investigation remains active, and further developments are expected as the SIT continues to question the accused during the custody period.

The case has drawn attention due to the number of allegations against Kharat and the nature of the accusations, with law enforcement agencies focusing on ensuring a thorough and impartial probe.

(With inputs from PTI)