Nashik Court Remands Astrologer to Seven Days Judicial Custody in Sexual Assault and Black Magic Case
In a significant development in Nashik, the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate S B Hiwale has remanded prominent astrologer Ashok Kharat to seven days of judicial custody. This decision comes in connection with a serious sexual assault and black magic case that was officially registered against him at the Sarkarwada police station on March 21.
Court Grants SIT Request for Extended Custody
Acting on a formal request from the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is currently investigating a series of cases filed against the astrologer, the magisterial court has ordered Kharat to remain in judicial custody until April 20. The SIT, which has been spearheading the investigation, presented their case before the court, highlighting the need for continued custody to facilitate their ongoing probe.
Significant Progress in Third Case Investigation
Additional Public Prosecutor Shailendra Bagade informed the court that the SIT has made substantial progress in the third case during the five-day police custody period that commenced on April 9. The investigating team has successfully seized several pen drives containing potential evidence, which have been promptly sent to the forensic department for detailed analysis and examination.
SIT Seeks Custody in Additional Case
The SIT has formally requested the court to grant permission for Kharat's custody in yet another serious case. This particular case involves an FIR registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 64(1) - Rape
- Section 64(2)(M) - Repeated rape on the same woman
- Section 75(2) - Sexual harassment
- Section 79 - Insulting modesty of woman
- Section 351(2) - Criminal intimidation
Additionally, the case includes charges under Section 3(2) of the Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. This particular FIR was registered with the Sarkarwada police station on March 23, adding to the growing list of allegations against the astrologer.
Imminent Arrest in Fourth Case
APP Bagade revealed that the SIT plans to arrest Ashok Kharat in a fourth case on Tuesday. Following the arrest, the investigating team intends to produce him before the court to formally request his custodial remand, indicating that the legal proceedings against him are expanding rapidly.
Thirteen Cases Registered Against Nashik Astrologer
The scale of allegations against Ashok Kharat has become increasingly apparent, with a total of thirteen cases now registered against him in Nashik city. The Special Investigation Team is currently examining eleven of these cases, with eight specifically related to the sexual exploitation of women. The remaining four cases involve serious offences under the Black Magic Act, along with charges of cheating, money lending, and various economic crimes.
This developing story represents one of the most significant legal cases in recent Nashik history, involving multiple serious charges against a well-known local figure. The judicial system's handling of these allegations will be closely monitored as the investigations continue to unfold.
