The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate self-proclaimed numerologist Ashok Kharat, who was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch for raping a woman and exploiting many others under the guise of religious practices. The SIT is headed by Tejaswi Satpute, Commander Reserve Police Force, Pune.
Self-proclaimed spiritual guru accused of rape
Kharat, who calls himself ‘Captain’, was arrested in Nashik district on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman over a period of three years. In her complaint, the 35-year-old woman alleged that Kharat called her to his office and claimed that his predictions indicated “threats” to her husband’s life. Between November 2022 and December 2025, he allegedly offered the woman drinks with sedatives and raped her several times.
Who is Ashok Kharat
After his arrest, Kharat’s activities came under the scanner, including the multi-million dollar properties he had amassed over the years.
Kharat, a 67-year-old retired merchant marine officer, has made a second career as a numerologist and spiritual advisor in Nashik.
Through the Shri Shivnika Sansthan Trust in Mirgaon, which he founded, “Captain” Kharat controls the Shri Ishanyeshwar Mahadev Temple, which has since become the center of his spiritual activities, where many, including prominent politicians, celebrities and business tycoons, have visited him to seek his guidance.
Political context
These include former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. In a video circulating online, Chakankar, who is also a member of the Shivnika trust, is seen washing Kharat’s feet and showing respect, while in another he refers to him as his guru.
Features of Kharat under the scanner
Along with the political patronage, Kharat’s fame and fortune also grew and according to the Nashik police, he charged up to ₹50 million from wealthy clients for private consultations.
Apart from the temple and related properties, Kharat is said to have accumulated assets, estimated at approx ₹200 crores in the last 15 years, including holding land, estate, residential properties and other investments. He is said to own properties in Nashik’s Sinnar and Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district.
Police found 58 videos
After his arrest on Wednesday on rape charges, more incriminating evidence emerged suggesting there could be more victims.
Police reportedly found 58 videos from the pen, including some that allegedly showed him sexually abusing women.
He was booked under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for rape and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghoric Practices and Black Magic Act.
Assembly problem for Chakankar
As the investigation continues, opposition parties in Maharashtra have demanded Chakankar’s resignation over her alleged links to Kharat.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare, Chakankar even cut his finger under Kharat’s influence. Andhare also exhibited photographs showing Chakankar with a bandage on her ring finger.
Key things
- Kharat’s rise to fame was fueled by political connections and his role as spiritual advisor.
- An investigation into Kharat’s activities points to potential exploitation within spiritual and religious practices.
- The case raises questions about accountability among public figures associated with controversial figures.
