Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that a Special Investigation Team is conducting a comprehensive probe into the case involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, following serious allegations of sexual exploitation and fraud.
Speaking in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the case originated from a complaint filed by a woman in Shirdi, after which the investigation expanded with the emergence of digital evidence and multiple victims.
He said around 35 objectionable videos have been recovered so far, and statements of several victims have been recorded, leading to multiple FIRs. A total of eight cases have been registered so far, of which seven are being investigated by the SIT, while one case has been handed over to the Crime Branch. Police said the victims include a pregnant woman, among others.
The chief minister said the SIT would also examine the possible involvement of government officials in cases filed against the accused. Meanwhile, a Nashik court has extended Kharat’s police custody by five days till 29th March to facilitate further investigation into the case, including financial and digital evidence.
SIT probing the case has recovered over ₹6 lakh in cash, a pistol, 21 cartridges, and five empty shells during raids at his premises. His mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination. Investigators said the accused allegedly lured women by claiming divine powers and exploited them under the pretext of religious rituals and also threatened victims with video circulation. He had also attempted to flee the country earlier, prompting an airport alert.
The SIT, led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, is probing multiple cases and examining alleged benami properties and financial transactions. Preliminary findings indicate assets worth several crores in Nashik, Mumbai and Panvel. Police have indicated that the number of victims may rise as more complaints are being received. The Chief Minister assured that the identity and dignity of victims will be protected and directed social media platforms to remove objectionable content. Further investigation into the wider network and financial links is underway.
