A court in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on Thursday remanded self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat to five days of police custody in connection with a third rape case, further intensifying the legal troubles of the jailed accused who is already facing multiple serious charges, reported PTI.
Third rape case involves pregnant survivor
According to investigators, the latest case involves allegations that Kharat sexually assaulted a seven-month pregnant woman, who is the wife of one of his office employees. The accused allegedly exploited the woman under the pretext of performing rituals for ensuring the birth of a healthy child, reported PTI.
The complaint states that the abuse continued over an extended period, including during the advanced stages of the woman’s pregnancy. The incidents are said to have taken place between November 2023 and December 2025 at Kharat’s office in Nashik as well as at a temple in Mirgaon village in Sinnar taluka.
Court proceedings held via video conferencing
Due to security concerns, Kharat was produced before the court through video conferencing instead of being physically present. The hearing was conducted before Chief Judicial Magistrate B N Ichpurani, who approved the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) request for police custody until April 13, reported PTI.
Earlier, on April 8, Kharat had been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in connection with a second rape case and was lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail. However, the SIT subsequently sought his custody in the third case, which the court permitted.
SIT seeks deeper probe into rituals and finances
During the hearing, public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde, representing the SIT, argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover crucial aspects of the case. He highlighted that investigators need to determine how Kharat procured items such as toy snakes and tigers, which he allegedly used to intimidate victims during so-called rituals, reported PTI.
The SIT also informed the court that financial transactions linked to Kharat’s activities are yet to be thoroughly examined. The prosecution had sought seven days of police custody to facilitate a comprehensive probe.
Defence opposes fresh custody
Kharat’s defence lawyer Sachin Bhate opposed the SIT’s plea, arguing that the points raised by the prosecution had already been investigated in earlier cases. He maintained that there was no justification for granting further police custody, reported PTI.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted five days of police remand instead of the seven days sought by the prosecution.
Whistleblower evidence strengthens case
The case gained momentum after the victim’s husband, who had initially doubted her allegations, reportedly installed a hidden camera in Kharat’s office after hearing about similar complaints from other women. The recordings allegedly captured incriminating evidence.
When Kharat discovered the surveillance, he is said to have threatened the employee. The husband later submitted a pen drive containing objectionable videos to the police, which became a key piece of evidence in the investigation.
Multiple cases intensify scrutiny
Investigating officer Amol Bharti presented details of the case during the hearing. Officials confirmed that Kharat is currently facing nearly a dozen criminal cases, including at least eight related to sexual assault, reported PTI.
The ongoing investigation by the SIT is expected to uncover further details about the extent of the alleged offences, as authorities continue to examine evidence and question the accused in custody.
(With inputs from PTI)
