Nashik Astrologer Rape Case: State Government Constitutes Special Investigation Team
The Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate serious allegations of rape against a 67-year-old astrologer, who was arrested by the Nashik city police earlier this week. This development follows a formal complaint lodged by a 28-year-old woman, who has accused the astrologer of sexually assaulting her repeatedly over a three-year period spanning from 2022 to December 2025.
Arrest and Initial Legal Proceedings
In a swift operation, the Nashik city police apprehended the accused, identified as Ashok Kumar Kharat, popularly known as 'captain', from his residence during the early hours of Wednesday. He was subsequently presented before a local court, which remanded him in police custody until March 24, allowing investigators crucial time to gather evidence and interrogate the suspect.
Leadership and Mandate of the SIT
The newly formed SIT is being headed by Tejaswi Satpute, the Commandant of the State Reserve Police Force based in Pune. Demonstrating immediate action, Satpute traveled to Nashik on Thursday and conducted an intensive interrogation of the accused for over two hours. A senior officer from the Nashik city police confirmed her active involvement, stating that the investigation is being closely supervised by the SIT officer.
An official order, signed by Special Inspector General Manoj Kumar Sharma and issued on Wednesday, formally directs Satpute to lead the probe and submit regular progress reports to the Director General of Police's office. Notably, Satpute brings prior experience to this sensitive case, having previously headed an SIT investigating the alleged suicide of a doctor at a government sub-district hospital in Phaltan town, Satara, last year.
Political Controversy and Demands for Action
Meanwhile, the case has ignited a political firestorm. Former MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, during his visit to Nashik on Thursday, publicly demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis take stringent action against Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the state women's commission. This demand stems from allegations regarding Chakankar's alleged associations with the accused astrologer.
Chhatrapati's call for action comes just a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare raised concerns about Kharat's connections with Chakankar. In response to the growing controversy, Chakankar issued a statement via social media on Wednesday, asserting that she had no prior knowledge of Kharat'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.
However, during a media interaction, Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati expressed strong views, stating, "This is a highly sensitive issue, and I am surprised that Chakankar has not submitted her resignation yet. CM Fadnavis should take strict action against her and, if necessary, remove her from the post." Efforts by media outlets to contact Chakankar for further comment on these demands remained unanswered as of Thursday evening.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Investigation
The Sarkarwada police in Nashik have registered a formal case 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 (BNS). Additionally, invoking a stringent law, they have applied provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 against the accused astrologer.
As part of the comprehensive probe, police teams have conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the accused, including his residence in Nashik city and his farmhouse in Mirgaon, Sinnar. A Nashik city police officer emphasized that the investigation is being handled by the crime branch, with all relevant information being systematically provided to the supervising SIT by concerned city police officers to ensure a thorough and transparent process.
