NASHIK— A major scandal has erupted in Nashik following the arrest of Ashokkumar Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer and self-proclaimed astrologer, for the alleged serial rape of a 35-year-old woman over a three-year period. Kharat, popularly known as “Captain,” is the chairman of the Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust in Sinnar and was known for his high-profile connections within Maharashtra’s political circles.
The Allegations: Sedatives and Astrology “Threats”
The complainant alleged that the sexual assault began in November 2022 and continued until December 2025. According to the FIR, Kharat used his influence as an astrologer to manipulate the victim:
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Manipulative Tactics: Kharat reportedly summoned the woman to his upscale office in Nashik’s Canada Corner, claiming his astrological predictions showed an imminent “threat” to her husband’s life.
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The Assault: Under the guise of performing rituals to avert this threat, he allegedly offered her sedative-laced drinks before raping her.
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Intimidation: The victim stated she was subjected to repeated criminal intimidation to ensure her silence over the years.
The Pendrive Evidence: 58 Videos Recovered
During the arrest, Nashik Police seized a pendrive containing 58 video clips.
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Objectionable Content: Several clips are reportedly “objectionable” and are being treated as direct evidence of the sexual assault.
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Political Catalog: Interestingly, the majority of the other videos feature Kharat’s interactions with various prominent personalities and politicians, documenting his proximity to the state’s power centers.
Political Fallout: High-Profile Visitors
The arrest has caused significant political ripples due to the long list of dignitaries who have visited Kharat at his temple in Mirgaon.
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State Leadership: In November 2022, the then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with cabinet colleagues Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Deepak Kesarkar, visited Kharat.
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Women’s Commission: Rupali Chakankar, the current chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, is also among the notable individuals who had previously visited the astrologer.
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Note: While these visits occurred in a public/religious capacity, the recovery of videos featuring these interactions has intensified public scrutiny.
Legal Charges
Kharat has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape and criminal intimidation. Additionally, authorities have invoked the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act due to his use of “astrological threats” to facilitate the crime.
