Cops probing 'human sacrifice' angle behind recovery of 5 spent cartridges of revolver from Kharat’s farmhouse: State tells Nashik court The prosecution in Nashik has informed a magisterial court that police are investigating whether five spent cartridges of a revolver, seized along with 21 live rounds from astrologer Ashok Kharat’s farmhouse, were used for "causing bodily harm, murder, or human sacrifice." The special investigation team (SIT), led by senior IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, is also examining Kharat’s potential acquisition of movable and immovable properties, including their ownership details. Additional public prosecutor Shailendra Bagade submitted this information to the court, seeking an extension of Kharat’s remand in police custody until March 29. Kharat, arrested on March 17, faces allegations of repeatedly raping a woman between November 2022 and December 2025 under the pretense of using spiritual powers and conducting rituals to cure her of a curse. The woman also claimed he threatened her into silence. A Nashik court initially remanded him in custody until March 24, but the SIT’s probe intensified after additional complaints of rape, black magic, and "aghori" practices emerged. The case gained political traction due to Kharat’s connections with several leaders. During the remand proceedings, Bagade cited police findings that Kharat allegedly told witnesses about defects in their homes and distributed "Kasturi" (deer musk) and yantras. Investigators are now probing the source of the deer musk and whether Kharat engaged in illegal activities under the guise of spiritual authority. Witnesses, some of whom remain anonymous, reported that Kharat summoned people to his temple at night, displayed "snakes and tigers," and extorted money by threatening them with misfortune.#ashok_kharat #nashik_court #tejaswi_satpute #shailendra_bagade #sit
Nashik Court Extends Custody of 'Godman' Ashok Kharat to March 29; Two Attempt to Attack Him Outside Court A court in Nashik on Tuesday extended the police custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to March 29 in a rape case that has gained significant attention. Kharat, who was arrested on March 18, was produced before the court under heavy security measures. Outside the courtroom, a man attempted to attack him but was intercepted by police and detained. Later, another individual from the crowd tried to assault him as he was being escorted out of the premises. The prosecution informed the court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by deputy Superintendent of Police Kirankumar Suryavanshi, had recovered several items from Kharat’s possession, including a revolver, 21 cartridges, five empty shells, Rs 6 lakh in cash, two laptops, and some documents. Public prosecutor Ajay Misar stated that new details about Kharat’s alleged illegal activities were emerging daily, prompting the request for further custody. Kharat, who heads a temple trust at Mirgaon in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, denied the allegations during his court appearance. He claimed he was not involved in any form of black magic. When asked about reports of keeping a mechanised king cobra and a tiger for intimidation, he expressed ignorance regarding such claims. Despite his lawyers opposing the police’s plea for extended custody, the court approved the extension until March 29. Outside the court, activist Trupti Desai of the Bhumata Brigade attempted to charge at Kharat but was stopped by police. The SIT has registered six cases against Kharat, including allegations involving a pregnant woman.#ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #nashik_court #kirankumar_suryavanshi #trupti_desai
