Astrologer Kharat remanded in five days of police custody in connection with fourth case of sexual assault and black magic

Nashik: The court of additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) AG Behere on Tuesday remanded astrologer Ashok Kharat to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) until April 18. The custody was granted to facilitate further investigation into a case of sexual assault and black magic registered against him at the Sarkarwada police station.This specific case, the fourth of its kind involving Kharat, was registered on March 23 following a complaint by a woman. Kharat has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including section 64(1) (rape), 64(2)(m) (repeated rape on the same woman), 75(2) (sexual harassment), 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation). He also faces charges under Section 3(2) of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.The complainant stated that she visited Kharat between April 2022 and Dec 2024 seeking spiritual solutions for household issues and a desire to conceive a son. During these visits, Kharat allegedly gave her colored stones, recited mantras, and provided her with water from a copper vessel.The woman alleged that she was given pedhas laced with sedatives. Once she was incapacitated, Kharat allegedly sexually assaulted her, claiming he was a "divine form" and that the act was a ritual to "purify" her. He further intimidated the woman by warning her of "divine fury" if she disclosed the assault to anyone.During the hearing, assistant public prosecutor (APP) Shirish Bagade emphasised the gravity of the case. He informed the court that the SIT needs to identify the specific chemicals or sedatives used to lace the sweets and drinks. Further, investigators aim to conduct medical examinations on the accused and determine if he had any accomplices in the crime.ACJM Behere granted five days' police custody for Kharat, who appeared before the court via video conferencing.SIT officials told TOI that Kharat is currently linked to 15 registered cases. Of these, eight relate to sexual assault and black magic registered with the Sarkarwada police station, two more at the same police station pertaining to cheating and extortion, a case at the Shirdi police station relating to cheating and illegal money lending, another at Rahata police station with respect to cheating, one registered with the Shrirampur city police station relating to criminal intimidation and assault registered by a local journalist and one case of cheating and black magic registered with the Sinnar police station.