Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the State Assembly that no one, regardless of status or political ties, will escape scrutiny in the investigation involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. This includes high-ranking government officers and politicians who allegedly supported Kharat. The case, emerging in March 2026, has caused shockwaves due to its serious allegations and the accused’s influential connections.
Chief Minister Fadnavis disclosed the formation of a high-level Special Investigation Team, led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, to address the various cases and handle the sensitive victim testimonies. He shared disturbing details in the House about Kharat’s exploitation of women, portraying himself as a divine figure. Kharat’s heinous acts included inserting fingers into women’s private parts and coercing them to drink urine under the guise of “holy water.”
The Maharashtra Police took proactive measures, registering at least eight FIRs against Kharat across different districts for offenses like rape, molestation, cheating, and extortion. Specific accusations against Kharat involve assaulting a 27-year-old woman, exploiting a pregnant woman, and using divine claims to manipulate women. Charges have been filed under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
In the Ashok Kharat case, he demanded Rs 5 crore from a woman by threatening to expose objectionable photos. A case was lodged at the Nashik Police Station. Neeraj Jadhav circulated an AI-generated photo on February 18, 2026, and later deleted it, though no immediate evidence was provided against him. Victims were supported with counseling and confidentiality while filing complaints.
A woman filed a complaint at the Sarkar Wada Police Station in Nashik, alleging repeated rape after being drugged and threatened with harm to her husband. Kharat reportedly used hypnosis to control women, performing rituals that involved touching their abdomens and inserting fingers into private parts. Authorities seized cash, laptops, firearms, and identified additional victims, urging them to come forward and delete any compromising material from social media.
Assets worth nearly Rs 40 crore, including land and properties, were seized, and investigations into properties under Kharat’s relatives are ongoing. The Shivnika Sansthan, Kharat’s institution, is under scrutiny, with medical examinations conducted on victims and the accused. Statements from associates have been recorded, leading to the registration of five cases based on victim testimonies. A Lookout Circular was issued before Kharat’s arrest to prevent his escape.
