Ashok Kharat case deepens as two FIRs for sexual assault and cheating push total to 10. (Photo: X)
In a major development in the ongoing case involving Ashok Kharat, Nashik police on Friday registered two fresh FIRs one for cheating and another for sexual assault taking the total number of cases against the self-styled astrologer to 10.
Police officials confirmed that the latest complaints further strengthen the pattern of allegations already emerging against Kharat, who has been accused of exploiting victims under the guise of possessing “divine powers.”
According to investigators, eight out of the 10 cases involve allegations of rape and sexual exploitation of women. The remaining two cases relate to cheating and extortion, primarily targeting businessmen.
Authorities say the accused allegedly used his influence as a ‘godman’ to manipulate victims, promising solutions to personal and financial problems through rituals and supernatural claims.
In the cheating case registered at Sarkar Wada police station, a 39-year-old cloth trader from Ahilyanagar alleged that Kharat duped him of ₹2.62 lakh along with gold ornaments.
The complainant stated that he approached Kharat in 2022 after a relative’s recommendation. Kharat allegedly claimed he could “energise” gemstones like pushkaraj and diamonds through rituals to boost business growth.
The trader handed over three gold rings and paid ₹1 lakh in advance, followed by ₹1.62 lakh in cash. However, after recent cases against Kharat surfaced, he had the items examined and found the stones to be of negligible value, while the rings were made of low-grade metal.
In a separate FIR, a woman has accused Kharat of sexually assaulting her multiple times between August and December 2024.
According to her complaint, she first met Kharat in 2022 along with her husband for guidance on family issues. During subsequent visits, Kharat allegedly asked her husband to wait outside before assaulting her under the pretext of conducting rituals.
The woman further alleged that Kharat threatened to harm her children and “destroy her life” if she spoke out, which prevented her from approaching the police earlier.
Police sources revealed that in the latest complaint, the woman has also alleged that Kharat sedated her and raped her on multiple occasions at his office in Nashik’s Canada Corner area.
The survivor approached authorities only after learning about Kharat’s arrest on March 18 and the growing number of cases against him.
Officials confirmed that both newly registered cases are currently under investigation. With multiple victims coming forward, police are examining whether more individuals were targeted using similar methods.
The case has sparked widespread concern over the misuse of faith and influence by self-styled godmen, with authorities urging potential victims to come forward.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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