Ashok Kharat's Legal Troubles Escalate Amid Allegations of Extortion and Rape A self-styled godman and astrologer based in Nashik, Ashok Kharat, faces mounting legal challenges after being arrested for alleged rape and accused of extortion, human sacrifice, and violating the Anti-Superstition Act. The 67-year-old, who previously served as a Merchant Navy officer and billed himself as "Captain," is now under investigation for crimes that span multiple jurisdictions. According to a complaint filed by a Pune-based builder, Kharat extorted nearly Rs 5 crore from him through coercive practices. The builder alleged that Kharat, who had a clientele including political leaders and VIPs, demanded he perform an "Avatar Puja" to ensure success in his logistics business. The builder claims he was forced to purchase a Mercedes-Benz for Kharat, instilled with fear of death through threats involving a fake snake. Kharat allegedly intimidated the builder by warning of the "Wrath of the Snake Deity," claiming that failure to comply would result in a fatal snakebite. This threat led the builder to travel to 21 countries to acquire the "Paras" (Philosopher's Stone), a supposed mystical object, while bearing all associated costs. The police complaint states that Kharat also extracted the full cost of constructing his farmhouse in Mirgaon from the builder. The builder further alleged that he was held captive near the Ishanyeshwar Mahadev Temple, where Kharat serves as president, and subjected to death threats. Money was reportedly extorted to cover expenses for the farmhouse's furniture. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a lookout circular was issued against Kharat on March 10 to prevent him from fleeing the country.#devendra_fadnavis #nashik #ashok_kharat #sarkarwada_police_station #shivnika_sansthan
Godman Kharat faces 8 FIRs, including of rape; SIT probing role of officials, aides: Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that eight FIRs have been filed against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat following multiple complaints alleging sexual assault, extortion, and the distribution of objectionable material. The cases, which include allegations of rape, have prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, revealed that Kharat was in police custody until March 29, 2026, and that the SIT is examining potential involvement of government officials and aides in the alleged offenses. The FIRs were registered after police examined phone call records, messages, and screenshots, with cases under the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 308 (extortion) being filed. Fadnavis highlighted a complaint filed on February 18, 2026, in Shirdi, Ahilyanagar district, where a woman alleged that Neeraj Jadhav created and shared an AI-generated image of her, threatening to make it viral. Though the accused deleted the image, he issued threats, and a case was registered, though the complainant provided limited details. During the investigation, police recovered crucial evidence from devices linked to Kharat’s aides. Fadnavis accused Kharat of posing as a religious figure to exploit women, stating that he allegedly engaged in rape and obscene behavior. A witness who attempted to provide evidence reportedly feared for their life. The CM also mentioned that a lookout circular was issued on March 10 to prevent Kharat from leaving the country, and the SIT was constituted to handle the probe.#devendra_fadnavis #nashik #shirdi #ashok_kharat #sarkarwada_police_station
