Police in Nashik, Maharashtra, arrested self-proclaimed astrologer Ashok Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, on charges of raping a woman, blackmail, and spreading superstition. Authorities seized 58 obscene videos and documents related to assets worth 200 crore rupees. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the case.
On March 20, 2026, police in Nashik, Maharashtra, arrested Ashok Kharat, a self-styled astrologer and godman known as Captain Kharat. He faces charges of repeatedly raping a 35-year-old married woman from November 2022 to December 2025 by administering sedatives. Kharat gained her trust through promises of religious rituals and divine powers. A pen drive containing 58 obscene video clips was recovered from his Oaks Property Dealer office. The videos have been sent for forensic examination, with suspicions they may involve high-profile women or celebrities. Investigations revealed that Kharat's former employee, Neeraj Jadhav, extorted women by sending them obscene photos. Previously in the merchant navy, Kharat later gained prominence in astrology and numerology. Photos show his associations with several prominent political leaders. Police seized cash, weapons, and property documents indicating assets accumulated worth about 200 crore rupees over the past 15 years. Due to the case's sensitivity, the Maharashtra government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute. Authorities suspect a larger racket may be involved.