SIT Detains Godman Ashok Kharat's Son, Intensifies Search for Wife in Nashik
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating multiple cases against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has taken significant steps in its widening probe. On Tuesday, authorities detained Kharat's son, Harshvardhan, in Nashik for questioning and launched an extensive search for his wife, Kalpana, who remains untraceable at this time.
Expanding Investigation with Multiple Detentions
Officials confirmed that the SIT reached Kharat's residence in Karmayogi Nagar and detained his son, who was subsequently taken to the Maharashtra Police Academy for detailed interrogation. This development comes as the investigation broadens, with police revealing that more than 100 complaints have been received against Kharat, and at least 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik.
The cases against Kharat include multiple allegations of sexual exploitation and cheating, indicating a pattern of alleged criminal behavior that authorities are now systematically investigating.
Fresh Case Registered in Shirdi
In a significant escalation, Shirdi police in Ahilyanagar district have registered a new case against Kharat, his wife Kalpana, and three others. The charges include cheating, criminal breach of trust, and illegal money lending related to the alleged usurpation of a four-acre land parcel in Nighoj, valued at approximately Rs 10 crore.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Raosaheb Gondkar, a 55-year-old resident of Rahata. According to police documents, Gondkar approached Kharat in August 2023 seeking a loan of Rs 5.52 crore to clear existing debts. As part of the agreement, he executed a sale deed for his land as security, along with a memorandum of understanding and an agreement to sell, which theoretically allowed him to repurchase the property by August 2024 for Rs 6.07 crore.
Complex Financial Manipulation Alleged
The complainant detailed how he initially paid Rs 51 lakh as an advance toward repurchasing his land and was required to repay the remaining amount with 2% interest. However, Gondkar alleges that over subsequent months, he was pressured into making additional payments totaling Rs 1.65 crore through intermediaries linked to Kharat.
Investigators revealed that when Gondkar later attempted to settle the remaining dues and reclaim his land, Kharat allegedly stopped responding to calls and shut his Nashik-based office, effectively cutting off communication.
Arrests Made, Some Accused Still Absconding
Police have already arrested two accused individuals—Kiran Sonawane and Arvind Bawake—who were produced before a court and remanded to three days of police custody. Another accused, Ashok Prabhat Tambe, along with Kalpana Kharat, remains absconding as authorities continue their search.
According to the FIR, Sonawane, who was known to Gondkar, allegedly facilitated the loan arrangement and collected eight blank cheques from him. Using these instruments, approximately Rs 1.65 crore was transferred to his account and subsequently routed to Kharat's associates. Police noted that Sonawane and Gondkar had initially approached Kharat together, as both were experiencing financial distress at the time.
Pattern of Alleged Criminal Activity
Officials emphasized that this land case represents the 11th formal case registered against Ashok Kharat. At least seven of these cases involve allegations of sexual exploitation under the pretext of supernatural claims, while the remaining cases relate to cheating and financial fraud.
Kharat is currently in police custody and is expected to be produced before a local court after his remand ends on Wednesday. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities piece together what appears to be a complex web of alleged criminal activities spanning multiple districts and involving numerous victims.
The SIT's actions this week demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are treating the multiple allegations against the self-styled godman, whose activities have drawn increasing scrutiny from law enforcement agencies across Maharashtra.
