Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Exposes Astrologer Ashok Kharat's Heinous Crimes in Legislative Assembly
In a detailed statement to the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed shocking details about the arrest of self-proclaimed "divine incarnation" astrologer Ashok Kharat. The CM disclosed that police had submitted a report to airport authorities requesting a lookout circular against Kharat before his apprehension, preventing his potential escape from the country.
Multiple Cases Registered Against Kharat for Exploiting Women
CM Fadnavis stated that eight cases have been registered against Ashok Kharat, who allegedly exploited women, sexually assaulted them, and even urinated on them under the guise of providing holy water. The Chief Minister emphasized that "no one who helped Ashok Kharat will be spared" as the investigation continues.
Fadnavis provided specific details about one incident where Kharat demanded Rs 5 crore by threatening to make a woman's photo viral. A case was registered in Nashik regarding this extortion attempt. On February 18, 2026, Neeraj Jadhav, identified as Kharat's office staffer, made an AI-generated photo viral before deleting it, complicating evidence collection.
Comprehensive Investigation and Victim Support Measures
The Maharashtra government has taken several measures to address these crimes:
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct thorough investigations
- Victims have been taken into confidence, counseled, and their identities protected during case registration
- Additional female victims have been identified, counseled, and persuaded to file complaints
- Authorities are working to delete photos and videos of victims from social media platforms
Substantial Asset Seizure Worth Rs 40 Crore
CM Fadnavis announced significant property seizures in connection with the case:
- 33 acres of land belonging to Kharat
- Farmhouse and other land holdings
- Multiple flats, including 40 gunthas in Panvel
- A flat in Pune registered under his daughter's name
- A marriage hall in Sinnar
Total assets worth approximately Rs 40 crore have been identified so far, with properties under relatives' names also under investigation. Kharat's organization, Shivnika Sansthan, is being thoroughly probed as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Medical Examinations and Additional Criminal Details
Both victims and the accused have undergone medical examinations as part of the investigation. Five cases have been registered based on statements from four women victims, with more potentially emerging as the investigation progresses.
Fadnavis shared details of a particularly disturbing case where a woman filed a complaint at Sarkarwada police station on March 17, alleging repeated rape after being administered sedatives and threatened with her husband's murder. The CM described Kharat's modus operandi, which involved hypnotizing women and sexually assaulting them during supposed rituals, while threatening victims with "divine wrath" if they disclosed the abuse.
Evidence Collection and Arrest Details
During preliminary investigations, authorities seized substantial evidence:
- Rs 6 lakh in cash
- Two laptops containing potential evidence
- A digital video recorder (DVR)
- A revolver with live cartridges
- Five fired cartridges
Based on this evidence and multiple complaints, Ashok Kharat was formally arrested on March 17. CM Fadnavis assured the assembly that the investigation is ongoing and information will be provided periodically as the case develops.
