Nashik Court Extends Astrologer's Custody Amid Human Sacrifice Probe
The prosecution in Nashik informed a magisterial court on Tuesday that police are investigating whether five spent cartridges from a revolver, seized alongside 21 live cartridges from astrologer Ashok Kharat's farmhouse, were used for "causing any bodily harm, murder, or human sacrifice." Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate KH Patil extended Kharat's police custody remand until March 29 following a proceeding in a packed courtroom.
Special Investigation Team Focuses on Multiple Angles
Additional Public Prosecutor Shailendra Bagade told the court that the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) ongoing probe is also centered on establishing the extent and location of Kharat's movable and immovable properties, as well as determining in whose names they are held. "We want to investigate where Kharat used the five rounds," an unnamed SIT official later revealed. "There could be a possibility of human sacrifice which we want to verify. Hence, we have mentioned human sacrifice angle as one of the grounds to seek his extended custodial remand."
Police Dismiss Speculation on Assets and IT Involvement
Addressing media reports that police have uncovered assets worth Rs 1,500 crore and 100 objectionable videos, with assistance from the Income Tax department, the officer clarified, "We haven't come across anything to show properties of this worth and scale as our investigation is at a primary stage. A lot of speculation is going on, including in the media, regarding amassed properties. We have not involved the IT department in the investigation as well."
Background of the Case and Political Connections
Nashik police arrested Kharat on March 17 based on a complaint from a woman alleging he repeatedly raped her between November 2022 and December 2025 under the pretext of using spiritual powers and conducting religious rituals to cure a curse. She also claimed he threatened her against disclosing the incidents. Initially remanded in police custody until March 24, the case escalated as more complaints of rape, black magic, and 'aghori' practices surfaced, prompting the state to form an SIT under senior IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute. The issue gained political traction due to Kharat's connections with several political leaders.
Prosecution Details Alleged Extortion and Illegal Activities
During the hearing, Deputy Superintendent of Police (SIT) Kirankumar Suryawanshi, the investigating officer, produced Kharat before the court. Bagade cited the police remand report, emphasizing the need for further custody to probe the human sacrifice angle and identify any accomplices. "The police during the course of investigation found out that the accused told several witnesses that there was some defect in their house and used to give them 'Kasturi' (deer musk) and some yantra," Bagade stated. Investigators aim to trace the source of the deer musk and uncover any illegal activities conducted under the guise of divine powers.
According to the prosecution, numerous anonymous witnesses have reported that Kharat would summon people to a temple run by his trust at night, display "snakes and tigers," and extort large sums by threatening ill fate if they disobeyed. The SIT is also investigating the origin of these animals. Since the initial FIR, five additional cases have been registered against Kharat, broadening the scope of the investigation into his alleged crimes.
