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Fraudulent Astrologer's Exploits Exposed! Nashik Crime Branch Arrests 'Captain' Ashok Kharat; Linked to Political Leaders, Controversy Swirls Around Women's Commission Chief
Nashik, March 19, 2026: A shocking and outrageous case has come to light in the city of Nashik. The Nashik Crime Branch arrested Ashok Kharat—a former Merchant Navy officer and self-proclaimed astrologer and cosmology expert who styled himself as 'Captain'—on Tuesday night (March 17). He faces grave allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually exploiting a woman, aged between 28 and 35, through the use of occult rituals, hypnosis, and drugs.
According to the complaint filed by the victim at the Sarkarwada Police Station, Kharat subjected her to abuse at his office in the Canada Corner area of ??Nashik between November 2022 and December 2025. Claiming to possess divine powers and command over mantras, he hypnotized her, administered sedatives by mixing drugs into her water, and exploited her by threatening her husband's life and warning that he would ruin her existence. During the investigation, the police seized a pen drive containing 58 objectionable videos from Kharat's office; these videos are currently undergoing forensic analysis. It is suspected that these videos may feature other women as well.
Kharat is a retired officer who served in the Merchant Navy for 22 years, traveling to 154 countries during his tenure. Following his retirement, he attracted political leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurs under the guise of providing services in astrology, numerology, and prophecy. He serves as the Chairman of the 'Shri Shivnika Sansthan Trust' (located in Mirgaon, Sinnar). Photographs of him with Rupali Chakankar, the Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, have gone viral on social media; in one image, Chakankar is seen holding an umbrella over him, while in another, she appears to be performing *padyapuja* (a ritualistic washing of the feet) for him. These images have raised questions regarding the impartiality of the Women's Commission, prompting opposition parties to demand Chakankar's resignation. The court has remanded Kharat to police custody until March 24. Kharat has stated, "I am unaware of the allegations against me. I have faith in the impartiality of the police investigation." Chakankar has offered a similar reaction.
**Impact and Caution:**
This case serves as a stark example of the risks associated with superstition, charlatanism, and sexual exploitation.
The Superstition Eradication Committee has criticized Kharat, labeling him a 'fraudulent godman' (*Bhondu Baba*).
The police have expanded their investigation, and there is a possibility that further shocking details may emerge.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant against such self-proclaimed godmen and astrologers, and to immediately report any instances of intimidation or exploitation to the police.
Nashik, March 19, 2026: A shocking and outrageous case has come to light in the city of Nashik. The Nashik Crime Branch arrested Ashok Kharat—a former Merchant Navy officer and self-proclaimed astrologer and cosmology expert who styled himself as 'Captain'—on Tuesday night (March 17). He faces grave allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually exploiting a woman, aged between 28 and 35, through the use of occult rituals, hypnosis, and drugs.
According to the complaint filed by the victim at the Sarkarwada Police Station, Kharat subjected her to abuse at his office in the Canada Corner area of ??Nashik between November 2022 and December 2025. Claiming to possess divine powers and command over mantras, he hypnotized her, administered sedatives by mixing drugs into her water, and exploited her by threatening her husband's life and warning that he would ruin her existence. During the investigation, the police seized a pen drive containing 58 objectionable videos from Kharat's office; these videos are currently undergoing forensic analysis. It is suspected that these videos may feature other women as well.
Kharat is a retired officer who served in the Merchant Navy for 22 years, traveling to 154 countries during his tenure. Following his retirement, he attracted political leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurs under the guise of providing services in astrology, numerology, and prophecy. He serves as the Chairman of the 'Shri Shivnika Sansthan Trust' (located in Mirgaon, Sinnar). Photographs of him with Rupali Chakankar, the Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, have gone viral on social media; in one image, Chakankar is seen holding an umbrella over him, while in another, she appears to be performing *padyapuja* (a ritualistic washing of the feet) for him. These images have raised questions regarding the impartiality of the Women's Commission, prompting opposition parties to demand Chakankar's resignation. The court has remanded Kharat to police custody until March 24. Kharat has stated, "I am unaware of the allegations against me. I have faith in the impartiality of the police investigation." Chakankar has offered a similar reaction.
**Impact and Caution:**
This case serves as a stark example of the risks associated with superstition, charlatanism, and sexual exploitation.
The Superstition Eradication Committee has criticized Kharat, labeling him a 'fraudulent godman' (*Bhondu Baba*).
The police have expanded their investigation, and there is a possibility that further shocking details may emerge.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant against such self-proclaimed godmen and astrologers, and to immediately report any instances of intimidation or exploitation to the police.
According to the complaint filed by the victim at the Sarkarwada Police Station, Kharat subjected her to abuse at his office in the Canada Corner area of ??Nashik between November 2022 and December 2025. Claiming to possess divine powers and command over mantras, he hypnotized her, administered sedatives by mixing drugs into her water, and exploited her by threatening her husband's life and warning that he would ruin her existence. During the investigation, the police seized a pen drive containing 58 objectionable videos from Kharat's office; these videos are currently undergoing forensic analysis. It is suspected that these videos may feature other women as well.
Kharat is a retired officer who served in the Merchant Navy for 22 years, traveling to 154 countries during his tenure. Following his retirement, he attracted political leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurs under the guise of providing services in astrology, numerology, and prophecy. He serves as the Chairman of the 'Shri Shivnika Sansthan Trust' (located in Mirgaon, Sinnar). Photographs of him with Rupali Chakankar, the Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, have gone viral on social media; in one image, Chakankar is seen holding an umbrella over him, while in another, she appears to be performing *padyapuja* (a ritualistic washing of the feet) for him. These images have raised questions regarding the impartiality of the Women's Commission, prompting opposition parties to demand Chakankar's resignation. The court has remanded Kharat to police custody until March 24. Kharat has stated, "I am unaware of the allegations against me. I have faith in the impartiality of the police investigation." Chakankar has offered a similar reaction.
**Impact and Caution:**
This case serves as a stark example of the risks associated with superstition, charlatanism, and sexual exploitation.
The Superstition Eradication Committee has criticized Kharat, labeling him a 'fraudulent godman' (*Bhondu Baba*).
The police have expanded their investigation, and there is a possibility that further shocking details may emerge.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant against such self-proclaimed godmen and astrologers, and to immediately report any instances of intimidation or exploitation to the police.
