Nashik Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to Astrologer's Wife in Multi-Crore Land Fraud Case
In a significant development, the Additional Sessions Court in Rahata, Nashik, on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail application of Kalpana Kharat, the wife of renowned astrologer Ashok Kharat. This decision comes amidst a high-profile investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently holding Ashok Kharat in custody over multiple cases, including allegations of rape and black magic.
Details of the Cheating and Illegal Money Lending Case
Kalpana Kharat is one of five individuals accused in a serious cheating and illegal money lending case, registered at the Shirdi police station on March 31. The case originated from a complaint filed by a farmer from Rahata, who alleged fraudulent activities. Since the registration of the case, Kalpana Kharat's whereabouts have remained unknown, according to police statements.
The prosecution presented a detailed account of the alleged fraud. It is claimed that Kalpana, along with her husband Ashok Kharat and three other co-accused, duped the complainant out of four acres of prime land located in Nighoj. The estimated value of this property is around 10 crore rupees. The fraud was allegedly executed by disguising a loan transaction as a legally registered sale deed, thereby misleading the victim.
Arguments in the Anticipatory Bail Hearing
In her defense, Kalpana Kharat sought anticipatory bail by filing an application on April 4. She argued that she had no involvement in the alleged cheating or money lending activities, asserting that all transactions were conducted solely by her husband without her knowledge or consent. The court, upon receiving the application, sought responses from both the investigating officer and the complainant to evaluate the merits of the plea.
Opposing the bail application, Additional Public Prosecutor Babasaheb Pangavhane presented prima facie evidence implicating Kalpana. He informed the court that two cheques, totalling 81 lakh rupees, issued from Kalpana's personal bank account, were handed over to the complainant, suggesting direct financial involvement.
Further strengthening the prosecution's case, Investigating Officer Niwant Jadhav submitted that Kalpana had granted power of attorney to co-accused Arvind Bavke. Bavke allegedly represented her at the sub-registrar's office on August 22, 2023, to execute the fraudulent sale deed. Additionally, investigators uncovered transactions amounting to 6.9 crore rupees in Kalpana's bank account. The prosecution emphasized that since she is not associated with any known business, the source of these substantial funds requires a thorough and detailed investigation.
Complainant's Stance and Court's Decision
Advocate Shubham Gondkar, representing the complainant, argued vehemently against granting bail. He contended that the land transaction was deliberately misrepresented to an illiterate farmer as a mortgage, while in reality, a sale deed was fraudulently executed to benefit the accused. Gondkar stressed that since the property is registered in Kalpana's name, she cannot dissociate herself from the offence, making the case unsuitable for anticipatory bail.
After considering all arguments and evidence, the court rejected Kalpana Kharat's anticipatory bail plea. Following the rejection, her legal representative, Advocate Pravin Kolhe, announced plans to challenge the order by approaching the High Court to seek anticipatory bail, indicating that the legal battle is far from over.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about fraud and exploitation in rural areas, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring the accused to justice. The involvement of high-profile individuals like Ashok Kharat adds a layer of public interest, drawing attention to the intersection of crime, celebrity, and legal accountability in India.
