Nashik

A court in Nashik on Thursday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody until May 6 in connection with the fifth sexual assault and exploitation case registered against him.

Kharat was arrested on March 18 after a 35-year-old woman filed a rape complaint at Sarkarwada police station. Since then, multiple women have accused him of sexual abuse, while investigators have also alleged large-scale financial fraud linked to claims of divine powers and black magic.

In the latest case, police said Kharat allegedly exploited a married woman who had approached him seeking help for domestic issues. He is also accused of threatening her, warning that her son’s life would be at risk if she disclosed the abuse.

The Maharashtra government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sexual assault and fraud cases against Kharat. He is currently facing at least 12 criminal cases in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts, including eight related to sexual offences.

On April 18, the SIT sought custody of Kharat in the fifth case. After receiving the court’s approval, investigators took him into custody and later secured police remand until April 23.

Thursday’s hearing was conducted through video conferencing due to security concerns. As the defence did not oppose the prosecution’s plea for judicial custody, the court ordered that Kharat be lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail until May 6, officials said.

The SIT is expected to produce him before the court again on Friday in connection with a sixth case involving alleged sexual harassment of another woman.

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Kharat’s arrest has also triggered political controversy, as several photographs showing him with politicians and other influential figures have surfaced in the media since his detention.