Rape-accused astrologer Kharat used terror tactics to influence & extract large sums of money from clients: Cops

Nashik: Ashok Kumar Kharat, the astrologer accused in multiple cases of rape and other offences, allegedly orchestrated an elaborate system of psychological manipulation and fraud at the Ishanyeshwar Temple in Sinnar taluka's Mirgaon to win the trust of high-profile clients and later extract large sums of money from them.The alleged fraud also extended to selling "energised stones". The complainants alleged that Kharat's staff bought wild tamarind seeds for around Rs 100 per kilogram, polished them and then presented them as sacred objects. "After people confided in him about their personal issues, Kharat would pretend to perform rituals on these stones and seeds sourced from Nashik Road, and then offer them as ‘blessed' items for prices ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000," a senior officer involved in the investigation said. Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer popularly known as "Captain," was arrested last week after a 28-year-old woman filed a rape complaint against him alleging that he repeatedly sexually assaulted her for three years from 2022-25. Senior police officers said investigations indicated that Kharat used dramatic "fear-inducing tactics" to deceive and intimidate visitors. "He allegedly created staged setups using plastic snakes, tiger-skin patterned fabric and hidden props to frighten clients," an officer said."One of the complainants alleged that Kharat would procure these items from the market and arrange them inside the temple before a client's visit. He would begin the so-called ritual upon their arrival, completing it in a way that left clients visibly shaken. Once they were terrified, Kharat would step in as a divine healer, performing choreographed rituals to supposedly dispel the threats. This engineered sense of relief helped him gain psychological dominance over them, after which victims would donate lakhs of rupees to his trust," the officer said.Three more cases against KharatThe Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing three earlier cases against astrologer Ashok Kumar Kharat for the alleged rape of women, has received three additional complaints, raising the total to six."Three more cases have been registered at the Sarkarwada police station in Nashik city, taking the total to six. The complainants, women aged between 29 and 41, have reported a similar modus operandi. They alleged that they were molested and raped on multiple occasions under the pretext of improving their wellbeing after being given something to drink," an SIT officer said. The SIT is led by IAS officer Tejaswi Satpute.The SIT has appealed to the public to come forward with any information or complaints related to Kharat and assist in the investigation. Citizens can reach officials at 9503270224 or 7775816389.