The special investigation team (SIT) probing multiple sexual assault and black magic cases against astrologer Ashok Kharat secured his custody in an eighth case on Wednesday, following the conclusion of his three-day police custody in the seventh case.
Eighth Case Filed
Senior police officers confirmed that Kharat will be formally arrested and produced before the court on Thursday in the eighth case, which involves the molestation of a woman. He appeared before Chief Judicial Magistrate B N Ichpurani via video conferencing on Wednesday after his police custody ended. Public Prosecutor Kiran Bendbhar and Assistant Public Prosecutor Shailendra Badade requested 14 days of judicial custody, while retaining the right to seek police custody if necessary.
"The court remanded Kharat in judicial custody till May 11," Bendbhar stated.
Multiple Cases Registered
A total of eight cases of sexual assault and black magic have been registered against Kharat at the Sarkarwada police station. Additionally, four other cases involve extortion, cheating, and related offences. Kharat is currently in the custody of the SIT, which was constituted by the state government.
Out of the 12 cases registered at Sarkarwada police station, the SIT will investigate nine. The SIT will also probe two additional cases registered at Shirdi and Wavi police stations, in which Kharat is not an accused. In the Wavi case, registered on December 29, 2025, Kharat is the complainant and has alleged extortion by two individuals. In the Shirdi case, registered on February 18, he was indirectly connected.
