Nashik godman Ashok Kharat arrest fuels Maharashtra political row
Nashik godman Ashok Kharat arrest fuels Maharashtra political row
Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, is arrested in Nashik on rape and related charges, triggering a political row as SIT probes links to officials and activists.
The arrest of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman in Nashik, on March 18, 2026, after a 27-year-old woman filed a complaint on March 17 has sparked a political row in Maharashtra. Kharat, a 67-year-old former Merchant Navy officer turned astrologer, faces charges under Sections 64 (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse through deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government continues to collect evidence and record witness statements as the probe deepens.
A follower-turned-whistleblower has provided details about alleged practices and the broader network surrounding the case, intensifying scrutiny on Kharat’s activities. Several political leaders and social activists have accused Kharat of having alleged connections with prominent politicians and bureaucrats in the state, fueling a political controversy that goes beyond the courtroom. The investigation has also triggered calls for transparency and accountability across different institutions.
The SIT, which has also established dedicated helplines for victims to come forward, has reported receiving an average of 15 to 20 calls daily. On March 22, the probe expanded to question the temple’s priest and a Nashik watchman, among others linked to the Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple where Kharat has been associated. As the investigation progresses, officials say the focus remains on collecting corroborative evidence and assessing any official involvement or complicity.
In parallel, political dynamics have intensified the narrative around the case. Opposition leaders and social activists allege that Kharat’s alleged ties to influential politicians and bureaucrats could have influenced or shielded aspects of the case. The government has indicated it will investigate related angles, including a broader review of officials involved. The situation underscores the broader conversation about accountability, power, and victims’ rights in Maharashtra as authorities pursue a comprehensive, evidence-based outcome.
