An influential astrologer and retired Merchant Navy officer, 67-year-old Ashok Kharat (popularly known as ‘Captain’), was arrested by the Nashik police on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly raping a 35-year-old woman between November 2022 and December 2025.
The survivor alleged that Kharat exploited her faith by administering intoxicants and using “hypnosis” and threats against her husband’s life to facilitate the assaults. The case has sparked a massive political row in Maharashtra, with the state government constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute.
While the police have recovered a pen drive containing 58 videos and a firearm from the accused’s residence, the opposition has demanded the resignation of State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged links to the accused. Kharat is currently in police custody until March 24.
Exploitation Under the Guise of Spirituality
The victim first approached Kharat in 2019 for marital guidance, but the abuse allegedly began in 2022 after he convinced her of his “divine powers.” According to the FIR, Kharat would lure the woman to his office in Nashik’s Canada Corner, where he purportedly used sedative-laced drinks to render her unconscious. The investigation has revealed that Kharat had installed hidden CCTV cameras within his office.
Beyond the physical assault, the survivor was subjected to extreme psychological manipulation; Kharat allegedly threatened that her husband would face an untimely death if she resisted his demands. During raids at his farmhouse in Sinnar, investigators seized a pistol, live cartridges, and documents revealing assets estimated at nearly ₹200 crore.
Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, addressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “I appeal to all women who may have complaints to come forward. We will provide protection and ensure stringent action; the law will take its course regardless of the individual’s influence.”
A Pattern of Influence and Alleged Patronage
Ashok Kharat’s rise to prominence as a “numerologist” saw him cultivate ties with several high-ranking politicians and celebrities, who frequently visited his temple trust in Mirgaon. This influence is now at the centre of a political firestorm.
The opposition has dubbed the case Maharashtra’s “Epstein files,” highlighting 58 recovered videos that allegedly feature various individuals in compromising positions. Specifically, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has accused Rupali Chakankar of using her position as the Women’s Commission chief to shield Kharat from previous complaints.
While Chakankar has maintained she was only involved in the trust’s social initiatives and was unaware of Kharat’s personal conduct, the SIT is now examining whether the accused used his political proximity to silence victims and promote superstitious practices under the Maharashtra Black Magic Act.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case is a harrowing reminder of how “faith” can be weaponised by those in positions of spiritual authority to exploit the vulnerable. When spirituality is replaced by sedation and “divine powers” are used as tools for blackmail, it ceases to be religion and becomes a predatory crime.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no amount of political proximity or social status should grant immunity to those who violate the dignity of others. We stand in solidarity with the survivor and urge the authorities to ensure a transparent, time-bound investigation that looks beyond the individual to the systemic patronage that allowed such alleged horrors to persist for years. True “spirituality” should empower individuals, not leave them trapped in a cycle of fear and abuse.
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