A Nashik court has extended the police custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is facing serious allegations of rape and other crimes, until April 1, 2026. Kharat, who led a temple trust in Mirgaon and had been visited by several well-known Maharashtra politicians, was arrested on March 18 after a woman accused him of subjecting her to repeated sexual assault over three years.
So far, ten First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against him at the Sarkarwada police station, including eight related to sexual assault and two for cheating. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned to the case has reported receiving over 100 complaints, primarily from women, just in recent days, signaling a broader concern about Kharat’s alleged activities.
During a court hearing on Sunday, Kharat was presented following the conclusion of his previous custody period. When asked if he had any complaints, he declined to respond negatively. Public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that Kharat has not been fully cooperative. He highlighted the necessity of probing Kharat’s assets and inquired into the chemical substance Kharat reportedly used to seduce victims.
Bagde noted, “The inquiry is still pending regarding the so-called liquid used in the assaults. Additionally, we are reviewing mobile data, including whether Kharat stored political contacts under fake names.” There are many more digital evidences yet to be examined, and the prosecutor underscored the scale of the case, indicating that collaboration with other potential accomplices may be necessary.
The SIT has submitted Kharat’s laptops, mobile devices, and pertinent documents for review. However, Kharat’s defense attorney, Sachin Bhate, challenged the SIT’s reasoning for extending custody, questioning the effectiveness and progress of the investigation thus far, claiming, “What has the SIT accomplished up to this point?” He contended that the investigation has been completed and no further custody is justified.
In contrast, attorney M.Y. Kale, representing one of the victims, supported the prosecution’s request for an extension. He stressed the severity of the charges, asserting that such allegations could severely disrupt families and communities. “These accusations are deeply damaging and demand a thorough inquiry,” Kale proclaimed, reinforcing the need for ongoing custody amid the gravity of the situation.
Following the arguments presented, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate MV Bharade granted the extension of Kharat’s police custody until April 1. The case, marked by its complex and troubling allegations, continues to unfold, drawing significant attention across Maharashtra.
This ongoing investigation into Kharat’s alleged crimes highlights the pressing need for accountability and justice, as more victims come forward to share their experiences. The situation raises questions about the broader implications of such misconduct and its societal impact, signaling an urgent call for vigilance and reform within the community.
As developments continue, the SIT remains focused on uncovering the truth behind the allegations, navigating through both the digital evidence and the testimonies of the growing number of individuals coming forward.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/nashik-court-extends-godman-ashok-kharats-police-custody-till-april-1/article70799099.ece
Category : Maharashtra
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Publish Date: 2026-03-29 14:53:00
