Nashik SIT Takes Major Action Against Online Exploitation in Kharat Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Nashik has achieved a significant breakthrough in its probe against astrologer Ashok Kharat, with its cyber cell successfully deleting 4,650 online links containing objectionable videos of rape survivors. In a media briefing held on Tuesday, SIT chief Tejaswi Satpute announced that an additional 450 social media accounts, where such videos were repeatedly posted, have been permanently removed. This marks the first public update since the SIT took over the high-profile investigation on March 20.
Witness Statements Reveal Kharat's Modus Operandi
The 24-member SIT, comprising two Deputy Superintendents of Police, three police inspectors, three assistant police inspectors, ten police sub-inspectors, and six station house officers, has recorded statements from 30 witnesses, including the victims. According to Satpute, these statements indicate how Kharat exploited people's belief in his 'divine abilities' to extract money. He allegedly instilled fear of death in victims and their relatives to sexually exploit women, while spreading superstition through activities at the Ishaneshwar temple in Mirgaon, Sinnar tehsil, Nashik district.
Protecting Victim Identities and Legal Constraints
Satpute emphasized the sensitive nature of the cases, stating that details of the investigation cannot be fully disclosed to protect the victims' right to life, dignity, and confidentiality. She highlighted that the Supreme Court and High Courts have imposed an absolute ban on identity disclosure in such cases. "As a probe agency, there are limitations on how much information we can disclose at this stage until we file chargesheets," she said. The SIT has a 60-day window to file chargesheets, with 40 days remaining for the first case registered on March 17 and about a week for subsequent cases.
Legal Actions and Arrests Made
Under Section 72 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), revealing the identity of sexual offence victims is a punishable crime. Satpute reported that six people have been arrested in two cases related to posting objectionable videos on social media, registered by Satpur police in Nashik and Kopargaon police in Ahilyanagar. She urged the public to refrain from spreading such content, noting that courts have restricted media trials and interviews with victims or their families.
Investigation Progress and Property Details
When asked about summoning functionaries and government officials associated with Kharat, Satpute explained that the investigation is based on victim and witness statements and evidence collection. "We are investigating if others helped Kharat create an ecosystem facilitating his activities and will determine complicity based on evidence," she stated. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken cognizance of Kharat's economic transactions, with the SIT providing records of over 100 properties in his name and more than 100 bank accounts where he is named as nominee.
Call Data Records Controversy
Regarding the leak of call data records (CDR) containing Kharat's contacts to private individuals, Satpute mentioned that a government-level inquiry is ongoing. The issue gained attention after activist Anjali Damani alleged on April 3 that she received anonymous CDRs showing deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde made 17 calls to Kharat, with other politicians also allegedly involved.
Case Statistics and Scope
The total number of cases registered against Ashok Kharat stands at 12, with two additional cases connected to the overall issue. The SIT is investigating 11 cases, while Ahilyanagar police and Nashik police handle two and one case, respectively. Of the SIT's cases, eight involve sexual exploitation of women, and the remaining three include offences under the Black Magic Act, cheating, money lending, and economic crimes.
