Nashik’s "VIP astrologer" scandal: SIT reveals massive scale of abuse with more than 150 victims

MUMBAI: The Special Investigation Team has uncovered staggering new evidence suggesting that the scale of exploitation by self-styled godman Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat is far wider than initially reported. Following the seizure of digital devices and documents from his Nashik properties, investigators now believe more than 150 women were sexually abused or blackmailed by the accused. This surge in the number of victims follows the SIT's raid on Kharat’s office at Canada Corner and his farmhouse in Mirgaon, where police seized two laptops, a high-end mobile phone, and over 150 objectionable video clips allegedly used to keep victims in a state of submission. While official FIRs currently stand at ten, SIT officials confirmed they have been flooded with over 150 calls on their dedicated helpline from women sharing similar accounts of abuse.

Testimonies from survivors have painted a chilling picture of Kharat’s methods, where victims were often given a salty, bitter water or liquid concoction laced with sedatives under the guise of religious rituals. Once the victims were disoriented, Kharat allegedly performed sexual assaults while claiming to be a divine incarnation, using hypnotic suggestions and threats of curses to ensure silence. The SIT is currently conducting a chemical analysis of the substances found at his properties to determine exactly what was used to incapacitate these women before they were assaulted.

The investigation has moved beyond sexual assault into a massive financial probe, with the SIT sealing Kharat’s office and freezing multiple bank accounts linked to his trust. Authorities are currently scrutinising documents related to 52 immovable properties valued at hundreds of crores, looking for evidence of money laundering or extortion. The case has also sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political circles as investigators work to identify influential accomplices or "VIP" clients who may have shielded Kharat from legal action in the past.

A Nashik court has extended Ashok Kharat's police custody until April 1, 2026, as forensic experts work to recover deleted data and trace the source of the drugs used in the "enchanted" water. The police have urged more victims to come forward, promising anonymity and protection as they build a comprehensive case against the astrologer. As the SIT continues to peel back the layers of this spiritual scam, the focus remains on the vast amount of digital evidence that could potentially link Kharat to even more crimes across the state.