The Sarkarwada police have secured police custody of astrologer Ashok Kharat (67) until April 26, following allegations of sexual assault, blackmail, and the practice of superstitious rituals against him. The accused, a resident of Nashik, was produced before the court on Friday after being taken into custody from the Nashik Central Jail on Thursday.
Court Proceedings
Kharat was presented before Chief Judicial Magistrate B.N. Ichpurani, who granted police custody after hearing the prosecution's request. Public Prosecutor Kiran Bendbhar stated, 'Kharat was not cooperating regarding the specifics of his operations, particularly the manner in which he persuaded women. Police also want to identify the source of the sedatives used by him.'
Details of the Allegations
The case against Kharat is based on a complaint filed by a young woman. The victim and her parents initially approached Kharat seeking guidance. Taking advantage of their trust, the accused allegedly sent the parents out of the room and administered a sedative-laced drink to the victim. Between July 2024 and December 2024, the accused is alleged to have raped the victim on four separate occasions against her will.
Kharat allegedly threatened the victim that he would use his supposed 'divine powers' to destroy her life and kill her father if she disclosed the abuse to anyone. Bendbhar added, 'The police also want to know if the accused performed dubious religious rituals to extort a significant sum of money from the victim and her relatives.'
Legal Charges
The Sarkarwada police have registered a case under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Section 64 (rape) and Section 351 (criminal intimidation). Additionally, the accused faces charges under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
