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Nashik: A shocking case of alleged sexual exploitation by self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has come to light in Maharashtra, where disturbing claims of abuse, manipulation, and blackmail have triggered a major police investigation. The case, which has now snowballed into a multi-victim scandal, reportedly came to the surface after a whistleblower installed a hidden camera inside the accused’s office following allegations involving a pregnant woman.
According to reports, the whistleblower, a former employee of Kharat, decided to act after learning about the alleged sexual assault of a woman who was seven months pregnant. The woman, known to the employee, had approached the godman seeking blessings for a safe delivery but instead experienced what she described as inappropriate behaviour under the guise of a ritual.
The incident deeply disturbed the employee, who initially struggled to believe the allegations due to Kharat’s influence and reputation. However, after the woman repeatedly narrated her ordeal and remained visibly distressed, he began closely observing the activities inside the office.
Hidden Camera Operation Uncovers Alleged Pattern
Suspecting that the incident may not be isolated, the whistleblower installed a hidden camera in Kharat’s private cabin. What he claims to have discovered has now become the backbone of the police investigation.
According to officials, the hidden camera captured multiple instances where women were allegedly called in for rituals, given substances that made them disoriented, and then subjected to sexual exploitation. The whistleblower later handed over the footage to authorities as evidence.
Investigators have reportedly recovered over 100 video clips, indicating that the alleged abuse was systematic and had been going on for years.
This evidence has significantly strengthened the case against Kharat and widened the scope of the investigation.
Modus Operandi: Faith, Fear and Manipulation
Police investigations suggest that Kharat used his image as a spiritual leader to lure women seeking solutions to personal problems. He allegedly convinced victims that he possessed “divine powers” and could influence their future, health, or family well-being.
In several cases, women were reportedly asked to undergo private rituals inside a closed room while their family members were asked to wait outside. Once isolated, the accused allegedly exploited them under the pretext of spiritual practices.
Victims have also claimed that he used fear tactics, including threats of harm to their husbands or children, to ensure silence and compliance.
The use of intoxicating substances, as suggested in the investigation, further points to a deliberate attempt to incapacitate victims before assaulting them.
Multiple FIRs and Expanding Investigation
The case has rapidly expanded, with multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) now registered against Kharat. Apart from the initial complaint by a 35-year-old woman who accused him of repeated rape over three years, new cases have emerged involving other victims.
In one of the latest complaints, a former employee alleged that Kharat sexually assaulted his wife, including during her pregnancy, under the guise of rituals.
Another woman has accused him of repeated sexual assault over several years, claiming that he manipulated her during a vulnerable period in her life.
With each new complaint, investigators believe the scale of the alleged crimes is far larger than initially thought.
SIT Probe and Legal Charges
Given the seriousness of the allegations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case in detail. The accused has been booked under stringent provisions, including rape, criminal intimidation, and sections related to black magic and inhuman practices.
Authorities have also invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, particularly in connection with threats to circulate objectionable material.
The SIT has been questioning individuals linked to Kharat, including staff members and associates, to uncover the full extent of the network and identify additional victims.
Disturbing Evidence and Allegations
During the investigation, police reportedly recovered digital evidence, including video recordings that allegedly document the abuse of multiple women. Earlier findings suggested dozens of such clips, but recent reports indicate the number could be significantly higher.
The existence of such footage has raised serious concerns about blackmail and coercion, with investigators probing whether victims were threatened into silence using these recordings.
The case has also drawn comparisons to high-profile international exploitation scandals, given the scale and nature of the allegations.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
The revelations have sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, with citizens demanding strict action against the accused and stronger safeguards against such exploitation.
The case has also triggered political reactions, with leaders calling for a thorough investigation into possible connections and whether influential individuals may have been aware of or ignored the alleged activities.
Experts say the incident highlights the dangers of blind faith and the urgent need for awareness, especially when individuals claim supernatural powers.
What Lies Ahead
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on identifying all victims, analyzing digital evidence, and mapping the full extent of the alleged crimes. More arrests or revelations are expected in the coming days as the SIT deepens its probe.
The whistleblower’s role has been crucial in exposing the case, demonstrating how one individual’s decision to act can uncover large-scale wrongdoing.
