Astrologer Ashok Kharat arrested: Maharashtra’s Nashik Police recently arrested self-styled astrologer and godman, Ashok Kharat, popularly known as ‘Captain,’ on charges of rape and sexual exploitation. A 35-year-old woman had approached the police earlier, alleging prolonged sexual abuse by the accused on the pretext of spiritual guidance. 

The cops booked a case against Kharat at the Sarkarwada police station, following which the Nashik Crime branch sleuths took him into custody.

Kharat an ex-Navy officer

Investigating police officials told the media that Kharat previously served in the Indian Merchant navy, and later capitalised on his reputation as an astrologer to gain women’s trust. The police alleged that often used to net such women who sought solutions to their personal problems, adding that he manipulated victims through rituals, occult practices and claims of possessing divine powers. 

The survivor who approached the police accused Kharat of drugging him and subjecting her to repeated sexual assault between November 2022 and December 2025. The authorities said that he often used fear and intimidation to silence victims, and also issued them threats directed at their families.

58 videos seized from Kharat’s devices, probe deepens

The police said on Friday that they have recovered as many as 58 video clips from Kharat’s devices, which he recorded by means of hidden cameras installed on his premises. Police officials suspect that the footage may involve more victims, including those from influential backgrounds too. 

As per police, the videos have been sent for forensic analysis and further revelations are expected in the case as the probe deepens. 

Astrologer Ashok Kharat arrested: Activists flagged concerns earlier

An activist body named Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANISA) had earlier raised concerns regarding Kharat’s activities. The members of the body claimed several victims were reluctant to come forward owing to social stigma and prestige issues. The ANISA also staged protests in the past, alleging that the accused misused his influence and connections with prominent figures to evade scrutiny. 

Govt constitutes SIT

Keeping in view the gravity of the allegations and the videos seized from Kharat’s device, the Maharashtra government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The police confirmed that more victims may come to light as they examine digital evidence and documents recovered during the probe.

Notably, Kharat was arrested from his farmhouse in a planned operation by the police, and has since been remanded to police custody. Officials aware of the development said that more details are expected to surface in the coming days. 

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