Nashik Astrologer Faces Mounting Legal Troubles as Police Register Two New Cases
The legal woes of Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat continue to escalate, with Sarkarwada police registering two additional cases against him between Friday night and Saturday. This development brings the total number of registered cases against Kharat to ten, highlighting a pattern of alleged criminal behavior that has left multiple victims seeking justice.
Detailed Allegations of Sexual Assault Emerge
In one of the newly filed complaints, a woman has come forward with harrowing allegations of repeated sexual assaults by Kharat between August and December 2024. According to police statements, the complainant detailed how her marital difficulties led her to seek Kharat's guidance at the Ishaneshwar Mahadev temple in Mirgaon in 2022, following a relative's recommendation.
The woman's account reveals a disturbing pattern of manipulation: During a March 2024 consultation, Kharat allegedly attributed their marital problems to birth dates and offered farming advice. The situation took a sinister turn in August when, during a private session, Kharat asked her husband to wait outside before administering what he claimed was ritual water from a copper vessel.
"The complainant described feeling lightheaded after drinking the water," police officials noted. "At that vulnerable moment, Kharat allegedly held her inappropriately while claiming divine powers and promising prosperity if she followed his instructions."
The woman stated that Kharat subsequently raped her on four separate occasions, threatening to use his supposed divine abilities to destroy her life if she disclosed the assaults. She maintained silence for months, fearing for her safety and believing Kharat's influence over her marriage—which had improved after their initial consultation—depended on her compliance.
Her decision to come forward followed news of Kharat's arrest in another rape case, prompting her to confide in her husband and file a formal police complaint.
Financial Fraud Case Involving Businessman
The second complaint involves a 39-year-old garment trader from Newasa Phata in Ahilyanagar, who alleges Kharat cheated him of Rs 2.6 lakh. The businessman, struggling with his enterprise, visited Kharat's Canada Corner office in December 2022 upon an acquaintance's suggestion.
Kharat reportedly promised special stones—Pushkaraj and a diamond—that would bring business prosperity. The couple surrendered three gold rings and Rs 1 lakh in cash for these items, followed by an additional payment of Rs 1.62 lakh a week later when they received rings studded with what they believed were valuable gems.
However, the promised improvement never materialized. The truth emerged on March 19 when, after learning of Kharat's arrest, they had the stones appraised. The valuation revealed the gems were worth only Rs 5,000, and the rings were made of yellow metal instead of the original gold they had provided.
Escalating Legal Proceedings and Case Statistics
With these latest filings, the total cases against Ashok Kharat now stand at ten. Police records indicate:
- Eight cases related to rape allegations
- Two cases involving cheating and extortion charges
Kharat, initially arrested on March 17 in connection with the first registered rape case, remains in custody. He is scheduled to be produced before the court on Sunday as his police custody period concludes, marking another chapter in this unfolding legal saga that has shaken the Nashik community.
The continuous stream of complaints suggests more victims may yet come forward, as authorities continue their investigation into the astrologer's alleged exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance and solutions to personal problems.
