NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has called for an investigation into alleged black magic incidents outside the residences of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last year. He linked the acts to recently arrested godman Ashok Kharat and questioned political involvement. The demand follows Kharat's arrest on rape charges and related political controversy.
On March 20, 2026, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar demanded an inquiry into reported black magic rituals performed near the homes of the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the previous year. Pawar highlighted incidents at Ajit Pawar's Sahayog Society residence and the Devagiri bungalow, where rituals allegedly involved Nashik’s Bhondu Baba, as mentioned by MLA Amol G. Mitkari. He shared Mitkari’s post on X, urging authorities to identify the mastermind behind these acts. Pawar specifically questioned whether Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman from Nashik arrested on Wednesday for rape charges, carried out the rituals and, if so, who the 'political monster' commissioned them. Kharat's arrest sparked outrage after videos surfaced showing his associations with Mahayuti leaders, prompting opposition calls for NCP leader Rupali Chakankar's resignation. This demand came a day after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed in connection with Kharat's case. Pawar stated, 'In progressive Maharashtra, there’s no place for superstition... this case appear extremely sinister.' No place for such practices exists in the state, he added, though few believe in them.