The case against guru Ashok Kharat is steadily unfolding into a case of manipulation, fear and alleged abuse, with police now piecing together how he built his influence and control his victims.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cases against the rape accused and accused Ashok Kharat has discovered assets worth $A senior police official told news agency PTI on Tuesday that Rs 1,500 crore and 100 videos were rejected.
Kharrat, who heads a temple trust in Sennar and has been visited by many political leaders over the years, was arrested on March 18 following allegations from a 35-year-old woman who accused him of repeated sexual assault over three years.
Read also | A Maharashtra employee alleges that ‘godfather’ Ashok Kharat assaulted his pregnant wife; The investigation expands
Since then, more complaints have emerged. The police registered two additional cases accusing them of sexually exploiting a seven-month-pregnant woman and another woman under the pretext of arranging her remarriage.
Officials said the Income Tax Department is now examining possible financial and real property irregularities linked not only to Al-Kharrat but also to people associated with him. Meanwhile, cyber police teams are analyzing 100 objectionable videos found during the investigation.
Police investigating Ashok Kharat say he carefully designed a mysterious environment inside his office to influence those who approached him. Props such as remote-controlled fake snakes and wildlife artifacts, including tiger skins, were allegedly used to create an atmosphere of fear and mystery, according to a report by NDTV.
The police found that he first measures the person’s financial situation and weaknesses, then exploits those fears by performing so-called miracles and charging exorbitant sums. In many cases, items cost less than $Allegedly, 100 of them were sold for nearly a thousand to customers looking for solutions to their personal problems.
Kharrat, a retired merchant marine officer who referred to himself as “Captain,” is also said to have had political leaders and dignitaries among his visitors — links that are now under scrutiny as the investigation expands.
Given the scale and sensitivity of the case, authorities moved to a coordinated, multi-agency approach. The investigation is being led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, whose investigation team is currently handling six cases against the accused.
Read also | Two other cases were filed against “The Godfather” Kharrat; The investigation discovers his elaborate cheating methods
The team, which includes officers from the crime branch including female staff, works through complex layers of evidence from digital forensics to financial trails while also recording victims’ statements.
Senior officials, including Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Det, along with the state government, are closely monitoring the investigation to ensure that it progresses quickly and remains accountable.
NASHIK: A Nashik court on Tuesday extended police custody of guru Ashok Kharat, who was arrested in a rape case, until March 29.
(With inputs from PTI)
