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
