A court in Nashik granted an extension of police custody for Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, until April 1. The order came after the court heard arguments from both the prosecution and defense in a case involving multiple allegations against Kharat, who was arrested on March 18 following a rape accusation. Kharat, who led a temple trust in Mirgaon, Nashik district, had been visited by several prominent Maharashtra politicians over the years. The arrest followed claims by a woman that he raped her repeatedly over three years. Authorities have registered ten FIRs against him, including eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, all filed at Sarkarwada police station. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case reported receiving over 100 complaints, predominantly from women, in recent days. During a court hearing on Sunday, public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde stated that the investigation is ongoing and Kharat has not cooperated with authorities. The SIT is still examining his properties, the so-called "water" used to seduce victims, and digital evidence, including mobile phone data and contact lists. The prosecutor highlighted that a clone report of Kharat’s mobile data has been obtained, and investigators are checking whether he stored political leaders’ names under false identities. Bagde also noted that the inquiry into potential accomplices and the collection of further digital evidence require extended custody. The SIT submitted Kharat’s laptops, mobile phone, and documents to the court, with officer Kirankumar Suryavanshi detailing the investigation’s progress and requesting custody extension. Defense lawyer Sachin Bhate challenged the necessity of prolonged custody, arguing the probe had concluded. In contrast, lawyer M.Y.#nashik #ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #mirgaon #shailendra_bagde
