Nashik Astrologer Remanded to SIT Custody in Sexual Assault and Black Magic Case
In a significant development, the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) AG Behere in Nashik on Tuesday remanded astrologer Ashok Kharat to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) until April 18. This decision was made to facilitate further investigation into a case of sexual assault and black magic registered against him at the Sarkarwada police station.
Details of the Case and Charges
This case marks the fourth such instance involving Kharat, with the complaint filed on March 23 by a woman. Kharat faces serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 64(1) for rape
- Section 64(2)(m) for repeated rape on the same woman
- Section 75(2) for sexual harassment
- Section 79 for insulting the modesty of a woman
- Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation
Additionally, he is charged under Section 3(2) of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, highlighting the gravity of the allegations related to occult practices.
Complainant's Allegations
The complainant stated that she visited Kharat between April 2022 and December 2024, seeking spiritual solutions for household issues and a desire to conceive a son. During these visits, Kharat allegedly engaged in deceptive practices, including:
- Providing her with colored stones and reciting mantras
- Offering water from a copper vessel
- Giving her pedhas (sweets) laced with sedatives
Once incapacitated, Kharat allegedly sexually assaulted her, claiming he was a divine form and that the act was a ritual to purify her. He further intimidated her by warning of divine fury if she disclosed the assault to anyone, adding a layer of psychological manipulation to the physical crimes.
Court Proceedings and Investigation Focus
During the hearing, Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Shirish Bagade emphasized the severity of the case. He informed the court that the SIT requires custody to:
- Identify the specific chemicals or sedatives used in the sweets and drinks
- Conduct medical examinations on the accused
- Determine if Kharat had any accomplices in the crime
ACJM Behere granted five days of police custody, with Kharat appearing before the court via video conferencing, underscoring the procedural aspects of the legal process.
Broader Criminal History
SIT officials revealed that Kharat is currently linked to 15 registered cases, indicating a pattern of alleged criminal behavior. These cases include:
- Eight cases of sexual assault and black magic at Sarkarwada police station
- Two cases of cheating and extortion at the same station
- One case of cheating and illegal money lending at Shirdi police station
- One case of cheating at Rahata police station
- One case of criminal intimidation and assault by a local journalist at Shrirampur city police station
- One case of cheating and black magic at Sinnar police station
This extensive record highlights the ongoing investigations into his activities across multiple jurisdictions in the region.
