The arrest of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman, in Nashik on 18 March 2026 for allegedly raping a 27-year-old woman created a political controversy in Maharashtra.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of rape, human sacrifice and black magic against a 67-year-old former merchant navy officer-turned-astrologer is gathering evidence and recording witness statements.
Several political leaders and social activists have also accused Kharat of allegedly having links with prominent politicians and bureaucrats in the state.
Here is a list of events that led to the political unrest in Maharashtra:
Self-proclaimed godman accused 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 divine man and an influential astrologer in Nashik. He was charged under Sections 64 (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse by fraudulent means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act 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. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government and two dedicated helplines were set up to help victims come forward and raise their complaints. A senior official said the probe team received an average of 15 to 20 calls a day.
The probe powers up
The SIT, which is probing allegations of rape, human sacrifice and black magic against Kharat, on March 22 questioned the priest of the Ishaneshwar Mahadev temple, with which Kharat is associated, and also a watchman in Nashik, according to officials.
Kharat is implicated in multiple cases filed at Vavi, Shirdi and Sarkarwada police stations, which include allegations of extortion, extortion, rape and occult practices. Around 12 cases have been registered so far, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Sources said the three women approached the police with complaints. Investigations are also underway into claims that Kharat and his family hold documents for 52 properties.
Authorities are considering seizing Kharat’s property and transferring control of the temple managed by his trust to the residents. Investigators are actively reaching out to potential victims and more cases against Kharat are expected in the near future.
Political ties
Leaders from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi criticized the Mahayuti leaders for their alleged close links with the accused.
Social activist Anjali Damania alleged that top politicians including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Uddhava Thackeray’s close associate Milinda Narvekar were on Kharat’s list of numbers. She also claimed that there were talks with NCP state president Sunil Tatkar, BJP ministers Chandrakant Patil and Ashish Shelar.
Facing flak over her association with Kharat, Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar tendered her resignation on March 20.
Photos and videos of Ms. Chakankar, in which she is seen washing his feet and holding an umbrella, have gone viral on social media.
Several leaders, including Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwara, said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against “big fish” associated with the accused.
However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said that public leaders do not always know the background of people with whom they are photographed and videotaped in public.
ED probe started
On April 5, Mr. Fadnavis announced that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would investigate Mr. Kharat’s assets. Mr. Fadnavis emphasized that an inquiry would also be conducted into the leak of detailed call records (CDRs), which allegedly reveal communications between Mr. Kharat and some political figures in the state.
He said, “The leak of call records in the Ashok Kharat case will be investigated and strict action will be taken. No one has the right to access call data records, only authorized agencies can do so. How this data was leaked and who will be investigated by the state government.” The Chief Minister emphasized that in sensitive cases, mere allegations are insufficient and that action will be taken on the basis of reliable evidence.
Published – April 6, 2026 12:17 PM IST
