Nashik Astrologer Ashok Kharat Granted Five-Day Police Custody in Third Exploitation Case
The Special Investigation Team has successfully obtained a five-day police custody remand for astrologer Ashok Kharat in connection with a third First Information Report registered against him on March 21. The FIR alleges multiple serious offenses including sexual exploitation of women, cheating, and issuing threats of dire consequences to victims.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Kharat was arrested by the SIT on Wednesday at 8 pm and subsequently produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate B N Ichpurani. The police sought his custody specifically for the third complaint, which was filed by the husband of a woman who was seven months pregnant at the time of the alleged incident.
The complaint details that Kharat allegedly raped the woman under the false pretext of protecting her from evil powers. While the investigating officer had requested a seven-day custody period, the court ultimately granted five days of police remand.
Police Investigation Objectives
According to Assistant Public Prosecutor Shailendra Bagade, the police emphasized that Kharat has not been cooperating with investigations thus far, and the inquiry into this particular complaint remains in its primary stages. The prosecution outlined several key areas they intend to investigate during the custody period:
- Alleged mistreatment of women under the guise of religious rituals performed with victims
- Identification of the source supplying "magic stones" (tamarind seeds polished to resemble gems)
- Probing the use of "aghori" rituals in Kharat's activities
- Investigating whether he recorded videos while conducting religious ceremonies
- Determining where he obtained sedatives
- Tracking alleged extortion of large sums from devotees through threats and intimidation
- Recovering evidence allegedly used at the Ishanyeshwar temple where scenes were created to threaten clients
Defense Arguments Against Custody
Defense counsel Sachin Bhate strongly opposed the police custody request, presenting several arguments against it. He noted that the prosecution had already secured Kharat's police custody for twenty days in the first two cases filed against him.
Bhate contended that the police failed to produce substantial reasons justifying additional custody in this third case. He further highlighted procedural concerns, stating that the police had not mentioned spy cameras or pen drives in their original FIR, with these items being included later in the investigation. These grounds formed the basis of the defense's opposition to the custody request.
The case continues to develop as investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry into Kharat's alleged activities, which span sexual exploitation, financial fraud through intimidation, and manipulation under religious pretenses.
