Fear limits testimonies as probe widens in Nashik godman Ashok Kharat rape case

Fear, influence and silence shape the unfolding Ashok Kharat abuse case in Maharashtra, as villagers, officials and even victims hesitate to speak, while investigators uncover disturbing evidence and a vast network of connections.

In Short

• Investigation reveals evidence, but complaints remain low due to fear and influence
• Journalist recalls threats and defamation notice after reporting abuse
• Kharat owns vast estate with temple and political connections in Sinnar

When we reached Shirdi to report on allegations of abuse against Ashok Kharat, fear was the first thing that surfaced, shaping every conversation and closing many doors before they could even open.

In Sinnar, we met Rajendra Shelke, vice-president of the Ishanay Ishwar Devsthan Trust. He was cautious from the outset.

“If I give an interview to the media, it may not be liked in the future. Ashok is a big man,” he said, refusing to speak on record.

The hesitation was clear. Yet when told about allegations of physical abuse involving women, he reacted with surprise. “I am shocked to hear this,” he said.

JOURNALIST RECALLS PRESSURE AND THREATS

In Ahilyanagar’s Shrirampur, local journalist Dattatray Khemnar shared details that point to the scale of the case.

He claimed Kharat had “physically exploited at least 200 women” and deceived many others. He also said Kharat was preparing to leave the country before police issued a lookout notice.

Khemnar said when he first reported on Kharat a year ago, he received a Rs 5 crore defamation notice. “The Maharashtra State Women Commission also sought clarification from me,” he said, adding that he later gave an interview to India Today.

A VAST ESTATE AND INFLUENCE

In Mirgaon village of Sinnar taluka, Kharat owns around 45 acres of land. A grand temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev stands there under the Ishanayeshwar Devsthan Trust.

The property includes mango orchards and a sprawling farmhouse. When we visited the site, it emerged that basalt stone had been used instead of bricks, taking the cost to around Rs 13 crore.

Locals said Kharat would visit almost every weekend and host political leaders, offering darshan and performing rituals with them.

ARREST AND DOCUMENTS REVEAL WEALTH

Around midnight on March 17, the Nashik Crime Branch arrested Kharat from his residence.

After the arrest, land records reviewed by us showed assets worth nearly Rs 200 crore. Villagers in Mirgaon said his land holdings are spread across multiple locations, and that he often accepted land as offerings.

One villager recalled approaching Kharat for help with personal issues but chose not to take his wife along when asked to visit Kharat’s office.

SILENCE IN THE VILLAGE

Back in his village, there is calm, but it is driven by fear. No one is willing to speak openly.

Villagers admitted that viral videos and the allegations have brought disrepute, yet most prefer to remain silent.

PROBE FINDINGS AND RELUCTANCE TO COMPLAIN

Police have found more than 50 video clips linked to women during the investigation. Even so, complaints remain limited across Maharashtra.
An investigating officer said Kharat had strong links with politicians and government officials.

“Officers would approach him over transfers and promotions. He also advised their families,” the officer said.

According to the officer, many of his clients came from influential families. Fear of public shame continues to stop people from filing complaints.

BACKGROUND: HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED

Kharat projected himself as a numerologist and was even consulted by police in some cases. Officials and their families would visit him seeking guidance on careers and personal issues.

He is also alleged to have used rituals such as “yoni puja” as a pretext to sexually exploit women. In some cases, women were threatened or manipulated into compliance.

The case began to unravel after a complaint on March 12 in Shirdi involving blackmail and obscene images. The probe led to the recovery of multiple video clips and subsequent complaints of sexual exploitation. He was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch around midnight on March 17.

On March 18, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute to probe multiple linked cases.

Investigators estimate Kharat built assets worth around Rs 200 crore over 15 years, with land holdings across Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, including high-value parcels in Pathardi.

- Ends