Nashik, Mar 24: A court in Nashik on Tuesday extended the police custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat till March 29 in connection with a rape and sexual exploitation case, even as investigators flagged fresh and disturbing revelations about his alleged activities.
Kharat, arrested on March 18, faces at least six FIRs involving charges of rape, sexual assault, and exploitation of multiple women, including a pregnant victim. His counsel opposed the police plea for further remand, but the court allowed the extension, citing the need for deeper investigation.
Seeking continued custody, Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar told the court that “new revelations about his illegal activities were surfacing every day,” adding that investigators suspect his possible involvement in human sacrifice and illegal wildlife activities.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has recovered a cache of incriminating materials, including a revolver, 21 cartridges, five empty shells, ₹6 lakh in cash, laptops, a pen drive, and documents. “As many as 21 bullets were seized… five shells are missing… raising suspicions,” the prosecution said, pointing to a possible sinister angle.
Investigators have also unearthed around 100 objectionable videos and assets worth nearly ₹1,500 crore allegedly linked to Kharat. The Income Tax Department is probing financial irregularities, while cyber experts are examining digital evidence.
The case originated after a 35-year-old woman accused Kharat of repeated rape over a period of three years. Subsequent complaints include allegations of sexual exploitation of a seven-month pregnant woman and another victim under the pretext of remarriage. Officials said more women are now coming forward with similar allegations.
The SIT has further claimed that victims were administered sedative-laced substances, as they reported nausea after consuming food or drinks given by the accused. “Victims were given substances after which they experienced nausea,” the prosecution informed the court.
Authorities are also probing claims that Kharat used snakes, tiger-related items, and rare musk to project himself as a spiritual figure, raising concerns of violations under wildlife laws. He has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Black Magic Act, 2013.
During the hearing, Kharat denied all allegations, stating, “I have no knowledge of snakes or tigers… I am hearing it for the first time,” and maintained that he only visited the temple occasionally.
The court proceedings witnessed high drama as activist Trupti Desai attempted to confront the accused but was stopped by police. A man also tried to attack Kharat outside the courtroom and was detained, while some individuals allegedly targeted the police vehicle escorting him.
Reacting to the developments, Devendra Fadnavis asserted that “no one linked to the accused’s crime network will be spared.”
Officials said the probe is ongoing, with more details expected to emerge as investigators continue to unravel what they described as a “murky” and complex case involving a 67-year-old serial offender.
