Hidden cameras, 58 videos: Probe deepens as ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat sent to judicial custody

A court in Nashik on Wednesday sent rape-accused self-styled godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat to 14-day judicial custody till April 14 , after the expiry of his police custody, as investigators continue probing a widening case involving sexual exploitation, hidden-camera recordings and financial fraud.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case detained Kharat’s son Harshvardhan for questioning after visiting the family residence in Karmayogi Nagar in Nashik on Tuesday. Investigators are also searching for his wife Kalpana Kharat, who is absconding and named in a cheating case , officials said.

Police said at least 10 FIRs have been registered against Kharat, including eight cases of alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two cheating cases, while the SIT has also received over 100 complaints through phone calls from individuals claiming exploitation or fraud.

Kharat, a 67-year-old former Merchant Navy officer who called himself “Captain” , later built a following as an astrologer and spiritual adviser in Nashik, claiming he could solve personal and marital problems through rituals, numerology and spiritual remedies.

The case first emerged after a 35-year-old woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over several years , allegedly during private consultations. According to investigators, the astrologer allegedly used fear and superstition, including warnings that victims or their families would suffer misfortune, to manipulate and exploit them.

The investigation intensified after police recovered hidden cameras and digital storage devices from his premises , including a pen drive containing around 58 explicit videos allegedly involving multiple women . Officials are verifying the authenticity of the recordings and identifying those seen in them.

Authorities suspect some victims may have been filmed secretly during rituals or private meetings , while others may have been drugged or disoriented before being assaulted. Investigators are analysing the seized phones, pen drives and cloned digital data as part of the probe.

The case has also taken a political turn, with opposition leaders alleging that the astrologer had contacts with several politicians and attempted to influence political decisions , claims denied by those named.

Meanwhile, police in neighbouring Ahilyanagar district have registered a cheating and illegal money-lending case against Kharat, his wife and associates over an alleged land deal involving more than ₹5 crore. Two accused, identified as Arvind Bawake and Kiran Sonawane, have been arrested in connection with the case.