Another case registered against Kharat of cheating Nashik businessman of Rs1 crore

Nashik: The Sarkarwada police on Friday registered the eleventh case in the city against astrologer Ashokkumar Kharat. A 36-year-old businessman alleged that Kharat cheated him of approximately Rs1 crore through various schemes involving business development and fraudulent land deals.This latest FIR brings the total number of cases against Kharat to 12, including one registered at the Shirdi police station in Ahilyanagar. Kharat has been booked under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, as well as Section 316(2) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).According to the police, the exploitation began in 2019 when the businessman was in need of funds. Under the pretext of constructing an "old-age home," Kharat allegedly coerced the victim into selling a plot of land with a market value of Rs60 lakh for just Rs22.25 lakh. The property was subsequently registered in the name of Kharat's daughter, Srushti.As the businessman faced ongoing personal and professional struggles, he continued to seek Kharat's advice. Projecting himself as an "incarnation of God," Kharat allegedly handed the victim an object resembling a tamarind seed, claiming it possessed spiritual powers to solve his problems. He charged the victim Rs15,000 for it.Furthermore, the complainant was allegedly compelled to provide free labour for various construction projects managed by Kharat, costing the businessman an additional Rs2 lakh.The most significant financial loss involved a promised 600-square-yard plot on Pathardi-Gaulane Road. Between 2023 and 2025, the businessman reportedly paid Kharat approximately Rs85 lakh in installments for the land."The complainant never received the land. Whenever he questioned the delay, Kharat would threaten him with ‘divine wrath' to silence him," a police official stated.Investigation into the multiple cases against Kharat is on as more victims continue to come forward.