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The arrest of 67-year-old Ashok Kharat, a retired merchant navy officer popularly known as “Captain”, has shaken the elite sections of Nashik. Kharat, who described himself as an astrologer, numerologist and spiritual advisor, was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch police in mid-March 2026 following a complaint by a woman. The woman had alleged that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted over a period of three years (from November 2022 to December 2025).

Police claim that Kharat used to trap women who were looking for solutions to their personal or marital problems, and then exploit them under the guise of rituals. He is alleged to have administered drugs (possibly mixed with food/water or “prasad”) to subdue and attack his victims, used hypnosis, intimidation tactics, and claims of black magic; He also used to record these activities with secret cameras. During the raid, a pen drive containing 58 pornographic videos involving various women was recovered, along with a pistol, cartridges and cash.

Kharat, who headed trusts such as the ‘Shri Ishaanshwar Mahadev Temple’, had amassed influence among politicians, businessmen, real estate developers and celebrities in Nashik and beyond—he was often consulted for “rituals” to ensure success during elections. His wealth, estimated to be in crores (according to some reports he has assets worth Rs 200 crore in the form of land and properties in Nashik/Shirdi), is now under investigation due to possible irregularities, extortion through Tantric practices and unknown sources of income.

The Maharashtra government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, which will investigate the case beyond sexual harassment—including financial transactions, possible extortion/blackmailing using the video, political connections, and the identity of other victims silenced due to fear or influence.

Kharat has been charged under sections of the Indian Justice Code for rape, sexual intercourse by deception, criminal intimidation and the Maharashtra Anti-Black Magic Act. He will remain in police custody until the investigation continues.

His family has denied any wrongdoing and attributed it to a conspiracy by rivals; He insists that astrology was just a hobby from which no financial gain was made. Police claim that there is strong evidence to support the arrest.

The case has also sparked political controversy, including demands for the removal of the chairperson of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission from her post, as her name is linked to Kharat’s trust.