SIT Secures Key Witness in Nashik Astrologer Rape Investigation
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile rape case against astrologer Ashok Kumar Kharat has taken a significant step by providing police protection to his office boy, Neeraj Jadhav. This development comes amid mounting reports that Jadhav possesses crucial information about Kharat's alleged misconduct, potentially serving as a pivotal witness in the unfolding investigation.
Witness Located and Protected After Being Reported Missing
A senior police officer confirmed that Jadhav had previously been reported missing, but the SIT successfully traced him on Friday. He has now been placed under comprehensive police protection, with officers initiating a detailed debriefing process to extract vital information about the case. The protection extends to ensuring the safety of both Jadhav and his family members, creating a secure environment where he can speak freely without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
According to investigative sources, Kharat allegedly became aware that Jadhav held evidence that could implicate him seriously. In what appears to be a preemptive move to discredit the potential witness, Kharat reportedly orchestrated a complaint against Jadhav at the Shirdi police station on February 18. This complaint was filed through a woman who claimed Jadhav had sent her an AI-generated obscene image two to three weeks prior, threatening to make it viral, followed by another threat involving an AI-morphed video a week later.
Complex Web of Interconnected Cases Emerges
The Shirdi police registered an FIR under sections 66(E) and 67(A) of the IT Act, along with Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation under the BNS. Separately, on December 29, 2025, the Wavi police in Nashik Rural registered another FIR under the same IT Act sections and Section 308 for extortion under the BNS. In this case, Kharat himself alleged that he received videos and photos on his phone depicting him in vulgar acts with four women, with the senders demanding Rs 5 crore to prevent the material from being circulated online.
Inspector General Manoj Kumar Sharma (law and order) explained the connection between these cases: "The two cases registered with the Shirdi and Wavi police, along with the recent case at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik, are interconnected. This intricate relationship between multiple complaints is precisely why the SIT has been formed to conduct a coordinated investigation."
Background of the Primary Rape Allegation
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by a 28-year-old woman that led to the arrest of the 67-year-old astrologer on rape charges. The complainant alleged that Kharat repeatedly sexually exploited her between 2022 and 2025, claiming to possess "Godly powers" and threatening that her family would be destroyed and she would be separated from her husband if she refused to maintain physical relations with him.
While reports have circulated suggesting the existence of more than 58 objectionable videos involving Kharat and multiple women, senior police officers have clarified that such material has not yet been recovered by investigators. The SIT continues to pursue all leads as they work to unravel what appears to be a complex case involving multiple alleged victims and interconnected criminal complaints.
