Nashik Court Remands ‘Godman’ Ashok Kharat to Judicial Custody in Fresh Sexual Assault Case

Nashik: A court in Nashik has ordered judicial custody for self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat in connection with another sexual assault case, adding to the series of serious allegations already under investigation.

The order was passed after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) presented the accused before the court following the end of his police custody. The court directed that he be sent to jail custody for a period extending until April 20.

This latest case involves accusations that Kharat exploited a woman who was reportedly in the advanced stages of pregnancy. The complaint, filed by the woman’s husband, alleges repeated instances of abuse over a prolonged period at locations linked to the accused, including his workplace.

Investigators have also pointed to an incident where the woman was allegedly subjected to inappropriate acts under the guise of a ritual at a religious site in the district.

According to the complaint, the survivor had earlier shared her ordeal with her husband, but her claims were initially dismissed. The situation changed after reports of similar behaviour involving other women surfaced. In an attempt to verify the allegations, the husband is said to have secretly recorded activities inside the accused’s office.

Authorities later obtained digital evidence, including video recordings, which were handed over to the police as part of the investigation.

Officials stated that Kharat is currently facing multiple cases, with several linked to allegations of sexual misconduct. Meanwhile, the SIT has moved the court seeking his custody in an additional case, for which approval has already been granted.

The accused is expected to be produced before the court again in connection with another pending matter as the investigation continues to expand.