NASIK – A local court in Nasik has extended the police custody of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Ashok Kharat until April 1, as Special Investigation Teams (SIT) continue to uncover the scale of an alleged long-term sexual exploitation racket.
Kharat, who heads a temple trust in Mirgaon, was initially arrested on March 18 following a complaint by a woman alleging continuous sexual assault over a three-year period. Since then, the case has grown exponentially, with authorities confirming that over ten FIRs have already been registered at the Sarkarwada police station—eight pertaining to sexual exploitation and two involving financial fraud.
Disturbing Investigative Revelations
The prosecution, led by Public Prosecutor Shailendra Bagde, informed the court of disturbing methods allegedly used by the accused to subdue victims. Investigations suggest that Kharat administered a specific liquid to women before assaulting them.
Reports indicate the substance was a bitter, salty liquid that caused immediate dizziness and disorientation. "The nature of this liquid and its chemical composition are currently under forensic analysis," Bagde stated, adding that the accused has remained uncooperative during interrogation.
Digital Evidence and Political Links
The investigation has also turned its focus toward Kharat’s digital footprint. The SIT has obtained a "clone report" of the accused’s mobile device. Prosecutors suspect that Kharat may have used aliases and fake identities to store the contact information of high-profile individuals, including prominent political figures from Maharashtra who reportedly visited his shrine over the years.
Authorities are now meticulously cross-referencing phone data and digital evidence to identify potential accomplices or those who may have provided political patronage to the accused.
Surge in Complaints
Public response to the arrest has been significant. The SIT reported receiving over 100 phone-in complaints over the weekend, the vast majority of which are from women detailing similar experiences of abuse or harassment.
As the investigation into Kharat's assets and personal history continues, the police expect the number of formal charges to rise. The court's decision to extend custody allows investigators more time to process the sheer volume of digital and physical evidence recovered from the ashram and the accused's properties.
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