politics
3/23/2026
Pending Review

Maharashtra Politics Heats Up as SIT Probes 'Godman' Ashok Kharat Rape Case

Maharashtra Politics Heats Up as SIT Probes 'Godman' Ashok Kharat Rape Case
AI-Generated Summary

The arrest of self-styled godman and numerologist Ashok Kharat, accused of multiple rapes including targeting a pregnant woman, has escalated into a major political scandal in Maharashtra. The 67-year-old former sailor, known as 'Captain', is alleged to have built a ₹100-crore empire, charging up to ₹50 lakh per consultation, and is said to have connections with numerous politicians, businesspeople, and celebrities. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is leading the probe, which has expanded with two new rape FIRs filed against Kharat. The investigation has taken serious turns, with police providing protection to Kharat's office boy, Neeraj Jadhav, who is believed to possess crucial information. Furthermore, shocking new evidence has surfaced, including a video allegedly showing an unqualified associate performing a 'treatment' on a minor girl. The case has ignited a political firestorm. Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), have demanded the arrest of Rupali Chakankar, a politician who headed a trust run by Kharat and has since resigned. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has slammed the opposition for 'doing politics' over a serious crime, while simultaneously targeting the previous MVA government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Fadnavis questioned why a special cabinet meeting was called and a 40-km pipeline was approved to supply water to Kharat's ashram, asserting that no one will be spared but warning against politicizing the investigation.

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Sources

‘Some people only want to do politics’: Fadnavis slams Opposition amid row over ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat's arrest| India News

www.hindustantimes.com
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But if we start acting against everyone just for meeting him, then you know how far that would go. Who sanctioned water out of turn for him? Who laid a 40 km pipeline? These facts have already been highlighted, so this issue should not be politicised,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Devendra Fadnavis on Ashok Kharat: अशोक खरात प्रकरणावर देवेंद्र फडणवीसांची पहिली प्रतिक्रिया, विरोधकांना म्हणाले, 'कोण कोण जायचं त्याचे पुरावे...' | CM Devendra Fadnavis first reaction on Ashok Kharat Case warns opposition leaders Nashik crime Marathi news

marathi.abplive.com
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Ashok Kharat Case: अशोक खरात याची आज एसआयटीकडून पुन्हा चौकशी केली जाणार आहे. काल खरातची सात तास चौकशी झाली होती.

Maharashtra opposition demands probe into ministers linked to ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat held for rape| India News

www.hindustantimes.com
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A photo showing Rupali Chakankar, ... for Ashok Kharat was shared widely on social media (X/Anjali Damania) The Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded that Chakankar, who headed a trust run by Kharat, be made a co-accused in the case, over her links to the accused. Kharat is said to have links with several politicians, businesspeople and celebrities. Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar said she has forwarded Chakankar’s resignation to CM Devendra Fadnavis for ...

Fadnavis vs Uddhav: CM flags pipeline row in Kharat probe, ups attack

www.deccanherald.com
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Maharashtra politics: CM Fadnavis questions Uddhav Thackeray over 40-km pipeline linked to Ashok Kharat trust as SIT probe continues; he says no one will be spared and urges evidence, warning against politicising a serious case.

How ex-sailor Ashok Kharat, now accused of rape, became a ₹100-crore astrologer, charged up to ₹50 lakh a visit| India News

www.hindustantimes.com
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The arrest of 67-year-old self-styled godman and numerologist Ashok Kharat, popularly known as ‘Captain’ for his background in merchant navy, has pulled back the curtain on a sprawling ₹100-crore empire built on faith, fear, and political patronage.

‘Targeted pregnant women’: 2 more rape FIRs on Nashik astrologer 'Captain' Ashok Kharat | Pune News - The Times of India

timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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Nashik police have registered two new rape cases against astrologer Ashokkumar Kharat. NASHIK: The Sarkarwada police on Saturday registered two more cases of rape and other charges against arrested astrologer Ashokkumar Kharat.One of these new cases relate to a complaint lodged by Kharat's ...

Police provide protection to arrested astrologer’s office boy, reports suggest he possessed crucial info | Nashik News - The Times of India

timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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Police provide protection to arrested astrologer’s office boy, reports suggest he possessed crucial info ... Nashik: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the rape case against astrologer Ashok Kumar Kharat on Friday provided police protection to his office boy, Neeraj Jadhav, amid ...

Ashok Kharat Case : अशोक खरातचा आणखी एक धक्कादायक व्हिडीओ आला समोर! अल्पवयीन मुलीवर केबल टेस्टरने उपचार, कारनामे उघड Nashik Marathi News | Ashok Kharat Case Another shocking video of Ashok Kharat has surfaced Minor girl treated by cable tester, exploits revealed | Latest Nashik News at Lokmat.com

www.lokmat.com
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Ashok Kharat Case Another shocking video of Ashok Kharat has surfaced Minor girl treated by cable tester, exploits revealed. Ashok Kharat Case : नाशिकमधील अशोक खरात प्रकरणात दररोज नवीन माहिती समोर येत ...

Rupali Thombare Patil Demanding to Arrest Rupali Chakankar in Ashok Kharat Case | Ashok Kharat Case : 'रुपाली चाकणकर यांना सहआरोपी करुन तातडीने अटक करा', रुपाली ठोंबरे पाटील यांची मागणी

maharashtratimes.com
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रुपाली चाकणकर यांच्या राजीनाम्यानंतर आता त्यांना सहआरोपी करुन अटक करण्याची मागणी राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसच्या ...

'Who Called Special Cabinet Meet, Supplied Water From 40 km Away?': CM Devendra Fadnavis Targets Former Uddhav Thackeray-Led MVA Govt In Ashok Kharat Case

www.freepressjournal.in
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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticised the former MVA govt for supplying water to an ashram linked to astrologer Ashok Kharat. He questioned selective criticism and said justice for women remains a priority. Uddhav Thackeray called for a full probe, urging action against all found guilty ...

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