The case against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat is unfolding into a tale of manipulation, fear, and alleged abuse, with police piecing together how he built influence and controlled his victims.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing cases against Kharat has unearthed assets worth ₹1,500 crore and 100 objectionable videos, a senior police official revealed.
Kharat, who heads a temple trust in Sinnar and has had several political leaders visit him, was arrested on March 18 following allegations by a 35-year-old woman who accused him of repeated sexual assault over three years.
More complaints have surfaced, with police registering two additional cases accusing him of sexually exploiting a seven-month pregnant woman and another woman under the pretext of arranging her remarriage.
The Income Tax Department is examining possible financial irregularities and property holdings linked to Kharat and those associated with him, while cyber police teams are analysing the 100 objectionable videos recovered during the investigation.
Police say Kharat crafted a staged, occult-like setting inside his office to influence those who approached him, using props like remote-controlled fake snakes and wildlife artefacts to create an atmosphere of fear and mystique.
He would first gauge a person's financial standing and vulnerabilities, then exploit those fears by offering so-called miracles, charging exorbitant amounts.
Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer, is also said to have had political leaders and VVIPs among his visitors, links that are now drawing scrutiny as the investigation expands.
