SIT Formed to Probe Allegations Against ‘Godman’ in Nashik, Case Highlights Recurring Pattern of Abuse by Self-Styled Spiritual Figures
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to examine accusations of sexual exploitation made by a 27-year-old woman against self-proclaimed spiritual healer and numerologist Ashok Kharat.
The investigative team will be headed by senior IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, who is currently the Commandant of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) in Pune. Authorities confirmed that Satpute has officially assumed responsibility for leading the probe.
Initially, the complaint was lodged at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik, where the survivor detailed the alleged abuse. The case was subsequently handed over to the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Unit 1, for further investigation.
According to police officials, the woman had been in contact with Kharat since 2022 and alleged that he repeatedly assaulted her under the guise of conducting religious ceremonies.
She further claimed that he intimidated her with severe repercussions to prevent her from revealing the incidents.
Investigators suspect that the case may involve more victims. “We have identified two additional women and will soon record their statements,” an officer stated, noting that the inquiry is still in its early phase.
The SIT was constituted following instructions from Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date.
The team reportedly includes between five and ten officers from the crime branch, with the inclusion of women officers to assist in sensitive aspects of the case.
During a search operation at Kharat’s farmhouse located in Mirgaon village of Sinnar, police recovered various items, including documents, a firearm with live ammunition, and approximately 58 videos described as objectionable in nature.
Officials indicated that some of these recordings appear to depict rituals being performed before the alleged assaults.
Kharat has been placed in police custody until March 24. Authorities have invoked relevant provisions under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) along with sections of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Police emphasized that it is premature to determine the complete scope of the case. “The matter may extend beyond a single complainant, but additional formal complaints will be necessary to confirm this,” an officer added.
This case once again brings attention to a troubling pattern seen across the country, where individuals posing as spiritual leaders have been accused of exploiting followers.
Such incidents have repeatedly damaged public trust and tarnished the reputation of religious figures in the eyes of devotees and believers.
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