Nashik Astrologer Arrested for Alleged Sexual Exploitation and Black Magic Practices
A 67-year-old astrologer, popularly known as 'captain', was arrested by Nashik city police on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 28-year-old woman over a three-year period from 2022 to 2025. The accused was taken into custody from his residence early in the morning and later produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until March 24.
Complaint Details and Allegations of Manipulation
Inspector Ashok Mudgal of crime branch unit 1, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that an FIR was registered at the Sarkarwada police station based on the woman's detailed complaint. The astrologer has been charged under sections 64 (punishment for rape) and 74 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Additionally, relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, have been invoked.
The complainant stated that she first visited the astrologer in 2019 with a relative, seeking guidance on finding a suitable marriage partner. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she could not follow up for some time. In 2022, after identifying a marriage prospect, she approached him again. The astrologer gave her a pendant and instructed her never to remove it. However, she took it off while appearing for an exam, and within a week, her marriage proposal fell through.
With her faith in the astrologer deepening, he convinced her that he possessed 'divine powers' and coerced her into performing rituals. He then allegedly raped her for the first time by administering a concoction that caused numbness, later threatening that she would never get married if she resisted. Even after the woman eventually got married, the astrologer allegedly continued to manipulate her, threatening that her husband would die if she did not comply with his sexual demands. Police cited the complaint, noting this exploitation continued until December 2025.
Investigation and Political Reactions
In March this year, the relative who had originally introduced her to the astrologer learned about the alleged abuse and urged her to speak up. She filed a formal complaint on Tuesday night. While there were unverified reports claiming police had recovered 58 videos of the accused, senior officers have denied these allegations.
Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam promised strict action and assured protection to women who might have complaints against the astrologer. "I appeal to all women who may have complaints against the 'astrologer' to come forward. We will provide them protection and ensure stringent action against the accused. The matter should not be politicised. All measures will be taken to ensure women's safety," he told reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan premises in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Kadam added that authorities would ascertain whether the astrologer indulged in superstitious or illegal practices under the guise of astrology. "We need to ascertain whether he was offering astrological services or spreading superstition. If any wrongdoing is found, that will also be investigated," he emphasized.
Opposition Criticism and Government Response
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare criticized the state government following the arrest, alleging that several individuals within the government had close ties with the astrologer. Her primary objection concerned the association of Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar with the astrologer. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Harshvardhan Sapkal demanded that Chakankar should have "resigned" in light of these allegations.
Chakankar, however, maintained that she had no knowledge of the astrologer's personal life or the allegations against him. "Whatever allegations have been made will be investigated impartially by the police. I have full faith in the investigation," she wrote in a social media post.
Responding to reports about Chakankar's association with the astrologer, Kadam stated that the matter would be examined independently if necessary. "These are two separate issues. The sexual exploitation case is being probed thoroughly," he clarified, underscoring the government's commitment to a transparent investigation.
