Forensic Team Raids Nashik Astrologer's Office in Exploitation and Rape Investigation
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), accompanied by officials of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), conducted a detailed search at Okas Properties in Nashik. This office is owned by astrologer Ashok Kharat, who faces serious allegations of raping multiple women and exploiting individuals through what authorities describe as black magic practices.
Criminal Empire Built on Fear and Superstition
According to police reports, Kharat allegedly used this location as the operational hub for a criminal enterprise founded on fear, superstition, and systematic abuse. Investigators state that he ran all his business activities from this office, where the forensic team meticulously collected potential evidence to build their case.
Kharat's primary method involved psychological terror tactics. He reportedly convinced his victims that he possessed divine or supernatural powers, warning them of impending "death curses" or catastrophic business failures unless they complied with his expensive and elaborate rituals.
Women Allege Drugging and Sexual Assault
Following Kharat's arrest, numerous women have stepped forward with disturbing accounts. They allege that the astrologer administered a mysterious substance described as "bitter and salty water," which induced extreme dizziness and a heavy, disoriented state in the victims.
It was after this drugging that the women were subjected to sexual assault, according to the complaints filed with the police. These allegations have added a grave dimension to the investigation, prompting a thorough forensic examination of the premises.
Arms Licence Suspended by District Administration
In a related development, the Nashik district administration has taken swift action by suspending the arms licence issued to Ashok Kharat in October 2012. Resident Deputy Collector Rohit Rajput provided details on this administrative measure.
"The licence was originally granted based on Kharat's claim that he required it for self-protection purposes," Rajput explained. The licence had been periodically renewed since its initial issuance over a decade ago.
"Upon receiving the complaint against him and reviewing the police report, we immediately suspended the licence," Rajput stated. "We have issued a 60-day show-cause notice demanding that Kharat explain why his arms licence should not be permanently terminated."
The suspension underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations against Kharat, as they continue to investigate the full scope of his alleged criminal activities centered around psychological manipulation and physical abuse.
