Days after self-styled godman Ashok Kharat's arrest for rape charges, another victim filed a complaint against the conman in Maharashtra’s Nashik area. This time, the women alleged that the Kharat raped her when she was pregnant and assaulted her under the pretext of ritual. According to the former devotee, Kharat used to make her husband wait outside, assault her under the pretext of performing rituals, and threaten her to not reveal these to anyone.
A week ago, a woman complained that Kharat raped her for over three years. The victim said that the self-proclaimed godman would call her to the office, spike her drinks, and rape her.
The self-styled godman revealed his modus operandi, how he exploited his devotees, and also fooled them out of money. The findings revealed that Kharak used to practice "vashikaran" and threatened irreversible consequences if people did not follow his instructions.
His office featured remote-controlled snakes and tricked victims into believing that he had supernatural powers. Tiger skins and other wildlife artifacts added to the effect and overwhelmed the victims.
Additionally, he conned many into buying cheap items such as tamarind seeds at expensive prices, claiming the seeds were "blessed."
The self-styled godman, who is also a retired Merchant Navy Officer, assessed the target's financial background and charge between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1 lakh for items barely worth Rs 100. The self-styled godman used to refer to him as captain also fooled his clients into buying fake gemstones, claiming they had divine healing powers.
The complaints also shed light on his lavish lifestyle. Kharat, has made nearly 150 foreign trips since his business boomed. Photographs from his recent trip to South Korea with his family have now gone viral. Authorities are investigating whether these fancy trips were funded by extortion and fraudulent rituals.
Kharat also owns a farmhouse and a bungalow. Some complaints have also accused him of holding documents for as many as 52 properties. Kharat is the chairman of the trust that runs the temple, located in Nashik's Mirgaon.
The Special Investigation Team has also questioned people connected to the Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple after it found Kharat was connected to the temple's trust. Kharat serves as the chairman of the trust that funds the temple, located in Nashik's Mirgaon.
Did Kharat Have Political Backing?
As the investigation deepened, it was discovered that senior politicians and other prominent people were among Kharat's clients. Among them is Rupali Chakankar, who was forced to quit as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women after her connection with Kharat came to light.
When questioned, she admitted to considering Kharat and his wife gurus but emphasised that the videos that have gone viral are nearly six years old. " My husband and I attended programs at the trust out of spiritual faith. At that time, we had no information about his personal conduct or any future wrongdoings," she said.