Nashik SIT to Pursue Custody of Astrologer in Second Rape Allegation
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Nashik is preparing to seek custody of astrologer Ashok Kharat in a second rape case, following a city court's decision on Wednesday to remand him to magisterial custody. Kharat has been sent to Nashik Road Central Prison in connection with the first rape case that led to his arrest on March 17.
SIT's Plan for Custodial Remand
An SIT officer stated, "We will secure Kharat's custody from the jail authorities either on Wednesday evening or on Thursday morning and will produce him before the court on Thursday or Friday to secure his custodial remand in the second case." This move underscores the ongoing investigation into multiple allegations against the astrologer.
Court Proceedings and Investigation Details
The SIT produced Kharat before Chief Judicial Magistrate B N Ichpurani, recommending a 14-day magisterial custody. They emphasized that the investigation in the first case is continuing, with evidence being gathered to file a chargesheet. Additionally, the SIT sought an arrest warrant from the court for the second case, which was registered on March 21 against Kharat.
Allegations in the Second Case
The complainant, a 33-year-old woman, has accused Kharat of sexually exploiting her at regular intervals between February 2020 and March 18, 2026. She alleged that he used the pretext of discussing her future to give her water laced with sedatives, which he passed off as divine water, and then raped her. When she became pregnant, Kharat allegedly provided pills to abort the child.
Furthermore, the complainant claimed that Kharat threatened her with dire consequences and warned of destroying her future if she did not cooperate with his religious rituals.
Multiple Cases Against Kharat
Currently, there are a total of 11 cases registered against Ashok Kharat. Seven of these involve allegations of rape and sexual exploitation, often linked to claims of exercising divine powers and black magic. The remaining cases pertain to cheating, land grab, and illegal money lending, highlighting a pattern of alleged criminal activities.
Related Developments and Family Involvement
In a related development, a Shirdi police team attempted to arrest Kharat's wife, Kalpana, on Tuesday night in connection with cheating and illegal moneylending cases. However, Kalpana had left her home in Nashik, and her whereabouts remain unknown to the police. The team detained Kharat's son for questioning until late night before releasing him.
Legal Representation Challenges
Meanwhile, the SIT requested Nashik district government pleader Ajay Misar to serve as the special public prosecutor in all Kharat cases. Misar's office declined, citing preoccupation with other important cases. Misar is currently involved as the special public prosecutor in the 2011 Opera House, Dadar, Zaveri Bazar serial bomb blast case, where 200 witnesses have already been examined. The Bombay High Court has made this case time-bound, with hearings expected thrice a week.
Moreover, Misar is also engaged in cases related to gangster Ravi Pujari and some Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) cases. The Supreme Court has made these time-bound, with hearings proceeding almost day-to-day in Mumbai, further limiting his availability for the Kharat cases.
