Two Arrested in Maharashtra for Circulating Explicit Videos Linked to Astrologer Probe
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a significant development, the Ahilyanagar police have arrested two individuals and launched an intensive manhunt for a third accused for allegedly circulating explicit videos of women. These videos are directly connected to an ongoing high-profile investigation against astrologer Ashok Kharat, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
FIR Registered and Sensitive Nature of Case
Police officials disclosed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been formally registered at the Kopargaon city police station. The case is being treated as highly sensitive due to its potential impact on the victims and the integrity of the investigation. Officers issued a stern warning, emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found sharing such objectionable content.
Connection to Ashok Kharat Investigation
According to detailed police statements, the explicit videos are linked to victims involved in cases registered against Ashok Kharat at the Sarkarwada police station in Nashik. A dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing multiple serious offences against Kharat. Police authorities highlighted that the circulation of this material is severely hampering the investigation and constitutes a gross violation of the victims' dignity and privacy.
Discovery and Chain of Circulation
On Wednesday, the Ahilyanagar police uncovered that the videos were being shared on a WhatsApp group named "BMW." During the subsequent probe, investigators identified the accused as Rahul Shinde and Yogesh Adhav, both residents of Kopargaon, along with a third individual from Majalgaon in Beed district.
Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge provided crucial insights: "Preliminary investigation indicates a chain of circulation of these videos. The videos were allegedly first sent by the Beed resident to Adhav, who then forwarded them to Shinde. The latter circulated the content further on a WhatsApp group."
Legal Charges and Arrests
Based on the investigative findings, police registered the FIR under specific legal provisions:
- Sections 294(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 67(A) of the Information Technology Act, which specifically deals with publishing or transmitting sexually explicit content in electronic form
Following the registration, Shinde and Adhav were promptly arrested. However, the whereabouts of the third accused from Beed remain unknown at this time.
Manhunt and Police Response
Deputy Superintendent of Police Amol Bharti assured that "Multiple teams have been formed to trace the third accused, and he will be arrested soon." Police officers further clarified that the case could involve multiple victims and is being handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect their identities.
SP Somnath Gharge added a strong caution: "We are taking extreme care to ensure that the identity of the victims is not disclosed at any stage. Any irresponsible sharing of such content will invite strict legal action."
Public Advisory and Cyber Monitoring
Authorities have issued a comprehensive advisory directed at the general public, social media users, influencers, and media platforms. They are urgently urged not to share, forward, or store such videos. Police made it explicitly clear that even possession or circulation of morphed or AI-generated content related to the victims will be treated as a punishable offence.
The cyber monitoring units of the Maharashtra Police are now closely tracking social media activity in connection with this case. Officials warned that group administrators and individuals found involved in the dissemination of such content will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
DSP Amol Bharti reiterated the zero-tolerance stance: "We appeal to the public to immediately delete such content if they have received it and refrain from forwarding the same. Strict provisions of law will be invoked against violators without exception."
