The arrest of a self-styled godman and numerologist, Ashok Kharat, in Nashik has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra.
Kharat, known as 'Captain' for his merchant navy background, is accused of raping a 27-year-old woman multiple times between 2022 and 2025.
He has been booked under sections 64 (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means or a false promise) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), alongside Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Photos and videos have surfaced on social media showing some leaders of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Kharat's company, including Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the state women's commission.
Opposition leaders have criticized the state government, citing the alleged proximity of some ruling coalition members to Kharat.
