The arrest of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman, in Nashik on March 18, 2026, for the alleged rape of a 27-year-old woman has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating allegations of rape, human sacrifice, and black magic against the 67-year-old former Merchant Navy officer-turned-astrologer, has been collecting evidence and recording witness statements.
Several political leaders and social activists have also accused Kharat of having alleged connections with prominent politicians and bureaucrats in the State.
Here are the list of events that led to the political unrest in Maharashtra:
Self-styled godman charged of sexual assault
On March 17, 2026, a 27-year-old woman filed a complaint that led to the police registering an FIR against Kharat, who posed as a godman and influential astrologer in Nashik. He was charged under Sections 64 (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse through deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
He was arrested on March 18, 2026. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the State Government and two dedicated helplines were created to help the victims come forward and raise their complaints. A senior official said that the probe team received an average of 15 to 20 phone calls daily.
Probe intensifies
The SIT investigating allegations of rape, human sacrifice, and black magic against Kharat, on March 22, interrogated the priest of the Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple, with which Kharat is associated, as well as a watchman in Nashik, according to officials.
Kharat is implicated in multiple cases filed at the Vavi, Shirdi and Sarkarwada police stations, involving accusations of extortion, blackmail, rape, and occult practices. Around 12 cases have been registered so far, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Sources indicate that three women have come forward to the police with complaints. There are also ongoing investigations into claims that Kharat and his family possess documents for 52 properties.
Authorities are considering seizing Kharat’s assets and transferring control of the temple managed by his trust to residents. Investigators are actively reaching out to potential victims and additional cases against Kharat are anticipated in the near future.
Political links
Leaders from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi criticised the Mahayuti leaders for their alleged close connections to the accused.
Social activist Anjali Damania claimed that top politicians, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Uddhav Thackeray’s close aide Milind Narvekar, were on the dialling list of Kharat. She also claimed there were conversations with NCP State president Sunil Tatkare, BJP Ministers Chandrakant Patil and Ashish Shelar.
Facing flak over her association with Kharat, Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar on March 20 tendered her resignation.
Ms. Chakankar’s photos and videos showing her washing his feet and holding an umbrella for him had gone viral on social media.
Several leaders, including Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the “big fish” associated with the accused.
However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said that public leaders do not always know the background of the people they are photographed and videographed with in public.
ED probe initiated
On April 5, Mr. Fadnavis announced that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would investigate the assets of Mr. Kharat. Mr. Fadnavis emphasised that an investigation will also be conducted into the leak of call detail records (CDR) that allegedly reveal communication between Mr. Kharat and certain political figures in the State.
He stated, “The leak of call data records in the Ashok Kharat case will be probed and strict action would be taken. No one has the right to access call data records, only authorised agencies may do so. How this data was leaked and by whom will be investigated by the State government.” The Chief Minister highlighted that in sensitive cases, mere allegations are insufficient, and that actions will be taken based on solid evidence.
Published – April 06, 2026 12:17 pm IST
