Nashik Court Postpones Anticipatory Bail Hearing for Astrologer's Wife in Land Fraud Case
NASHIK: In a significant development, the Rahata court on Friday decided to defer the hearing concerning the anticipatory bail application submitted by Kalpana Kharat, the spouse of the controversial astrologer Ashok Kharat, who faces multiple allegations including rape. The court has rescheduled the proceedings to April 16, following a formal request presented by the defense counsel.
Senior officials from the Ahilyanagar police department have officially confirmed this judicial update. Advocate Pravin Kolhe, who is representing the defense in this matter, provided detailed insights into the situation. He explained that a senior lawyer based in Nashik was originally slated to present arguments on behalf of Kalpana Kharat during the bail application hearing. However, due to unforeseen circumstances preventing the lawyer's attendance on Friday, the defense formally petitioned for an adjournment, which the court subsequently granted.
Details of the Cheating and Illegal Money Lending Case
Kalpana Kharat is officially listed as one of the accused individuals in a serious case involving allegations of cheating and illegal money lending. This case was formally registered at the Shirdi police station on March 31, marking a critical point in the ongoing investigation.
The complainant in this legal matter is a 55-year-old farmer residing in Rahata, located within the Ahilyanagar district. According to his detailed complaint, he initially approached astrologer Ashok Kharat seeking financial assistance to settle his existing debts. In August 2023, the farmer entered into a formal agreement to receive a loan amounting to Rs 5.52 crore from Kharat.
As part of the collateral requirements for this loan, the farmer was compelled to execute a sale deed for approximately four acres of his agricultural land situated in Nighoj. This land is estimated to be valued at around Rs 10 crore, indicating the high stakes involved in the transaction.
Allegations of Coercion and Financial Exploitation
The farmer further alleged that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an agreement to sell were signed simultaneously. These documents stipulated that the farmer retained the right to repurchase his land by August 2024 for a total sum of Rs 6.07 crore. According to the complaint, the farmer initially issued a cheque worth Rs 51 lakh as an advance payment intended for buying back the land.
However, over the subsequent months, the situation escalated dramatically. The farmer claims he was subjected to coercion, allegedly forced to pay additional interest amounts totaling Rs 1.65 crore. These payments, broken down into installments of Rs 90 lakh, Rs 25 lakh, and Rs 50 lakh, were reportedly made through various associates of Ashok Kharat.
Police investigations reveal that when the farmer attempted to pay the remaining balance to reclaim his agricultural land, Ashok Kharat allegedly ceased all communication. He stopped responding to phone calls and reportedly shut down his office based in Nashik, leaving the farmer in a precarious financial and legal position.
Current Status of the Accused and Ongoing Investigations
While two other accused individuals have already been apprehended in connection with this case, astrologer Ashok Kharat remains in the custody of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) operating in Nashik. His detention is linked to multiple cases involving serious allegations of sexual assault and black magic practices. Kharat has been in continuous custody since the initial case against him was registered on March 17.
Meanwhile, officers from the Shirdi police station have intensified their efforts to locate Kalpana Kharat. Multiple specialized teams have been deployed to trace her whereabouts as part of the ongoing investigation into the cheating and illegal money lending allegations.
Wider Legal Challenges Facing Ashok Kharat
The legal troubles for Ashok Kharat extend far beyond this single case. Official records indicate that a total of 12 distinct cases have been registered against him across both Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. Additionally, he is linked to two more cases where he is not formally named as an accused party.
Of these numerous cases, 11 are currently under active investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Notably, eight of these cases specifically pertain to allegations of sexual exploitation targeting women, highlighting the serious and multifaceted nature of the charges against him.
The judicial and law enforcement processes continue to unfold as authorities work diligently to address the complex web of allegations involving financial fraud, illegal lending practices, and other serious offenses linked to the Kharat family.
