58 obscene videos with women followers; Shocking underbelly of self-styled Godman Ashok Kharat's ritual world

NASHIK: Captain Ashok Kharat, the self-styled godman, who claims massive popularity in Maharashtra, was arrested after his web of sexual exploitation stories came out. Reports suggest that police recovered 58 videos of Ashok engaging in obscene acts with his female followers.

Politicians, industrialists and celebrities are among those who celebrate Kharat in Maharashtra. Photos of Kharat with popular leaders, including Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission, went viral recently. Chakankar, in another video, was seen washing the feet of Kharat in deference. After the issue went viral, Chakankar said she wasn’t aware of the allegations and suggested that the police carry out an impartial investigation.

From what police unearthed in the case, Kharat, through his mighty clout and popularity, gained the trust of women followers. He often made them drink intoxicants and filmed them in compromising situations. The video would later be used to exploit and blackmail. There are also rape charges against the godman.

According to other details, Kharat is an ex-Navy officer who is well-versed in arithmetic. The issue spiralled into a controversy after a CCTV video from Kharat’s office went viral. In the video, the godman was shown forcing a woman follower to perform fellatio.