BJP Minister Accuses Nashik Police of Ignoring Astrologer Kharat's Crimes
In a significant development, Cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has launched a scathing attack on the Nashik police, accusing them of deliberately turning a blind eye to initial complaints against controversial astrologer Ashok Kharat. The senior BJP member made these explosive allegations during a press conference in Ahilyanagar on Thursday, suggesting that political protection shielded Kharat from early legal action.
Political Backing Alleged in Police Inaction
Vikhe Patil claimed that nobody dared to take action against Kharat because of the substantial political backing he allegedly received. "I have concrete information that the Nashik police did not register an FIR against Kharat despite receiving multiple complaints," the minister revealed to reporters. He emphasized that it was ultimately the Shirdi police in Ahilyangar who broke the silence by registering a crucial FIR, which subsequently exposed Kharat's extensive criminal activities.
The minister painted a troubling picture of law enforcement failure, stating, "Had the Shirdi police not registered that FIR, his criminal activities would have still continued unchecked." This statement underscores the minister's belief that without this intervention, Kharat's alleged illegal operations might have persisted indefinitely.
Special Investigation Team Formed Amid Growing Scandal
Following Kharat's arrest, the case has rapidly expanded, with names of several prominent politicians emerging in connection with the astrologer. The situation has become so serious that the state government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe all complaints against the arrested astrologer. This move comes as authorities grapple with the enormity of the alleged crimes, with 15 separate cases already registered against Kharat.
Vikhe Patil pointedly questioned the performance of Nashik police departments, asking, "What was the local crime branch and other departments of the Nashik police doing when he was carrying out his illegal activities right under their nose?" This rhetorical challenge highlights the minister's frustration with what he perceives as systemic failure in law enforcement oversight.
Calls for Broader Accountability Beyond Politicians
While public attention has largely focused on the political connections surrounding Kharat, Vikhe Patil insists that police accountability must not be overlooked. "While fingers are being pointed at politicians, the role of Nashik police in this case also needs to be seriously questioned," he asserted. This dual focus suggests the scandal extends beyond mere political patronage to potentially include institutional failures within the police force.
The formation of the SIT represents a critical step toward comprehensive investigation, but Vikhe Patil's allegations raise deeper questions about:
- Why initial complaints against Kharat were allegedly ignored by Nashik police
- The nature and extent of political protection Kharat might have enjoyed
- Systemic issues within law enforcement that allowed alleged criminal activities to continue
- The broader implications for police accountability and political interference in Maharashtra
As the SIT begins its work, all eyes remain on how this complex case involving an astrologer, politicians, and police will unfold, with potential ramifications for Maharashtra's political and law enforcement landscapes.
