Inside Nashik 'rapist' astrologer's office: Remote-controlled snakes, tiger skin, occult setup used to trap victims

• Ashok Kharat arrested for sexual assault and fraud in Nashik
• He used superstition, staged tricks, and fear to exploit victims
• Police found lavish life, 150 trips abroad, and property ties

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The self-proclaimed godman and astrologer from Nashik, Ashok Kharat, had a shocking pattern of manipulation, fear tactics, and financial fraud, NDTV reported, citing police.

Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer who called himself “Captain,” has been arrested in a sexual assault case, with police investigations revealing that he allegedly used superstition and staged tricks to exploit vulnerable people while promising miracles and solutions to their problems, as per the report.

The case first came to light after a woman accused Kharat of repeatedly assaulting her over a period of three years. According to her complaint, Kharat warned her that her husband’s life was in danger and used this fear to control her. She alleged that he would call her to his office, offer her drinks laced with intoxicants, and then assault her.

Soon after, another woman filed a similar complaint. She claimed that Kharat assaulted her while she was pregnant under the pretext of performing religious rituals. She also alleged that he made her husband wait outside during these sessions and threatened her to remain silent.

Fear, superstition, and tricks

As more victims have come forward, police have uncovered Kharat’s method of operation. His office was allegedly designed to create a mysterious and frightening atmosphere. He used objects like tiger skins and other wildlife artefacts to make people believe in his supposed supernatural powers, NDTV reported.

At this office, he used remote-controlled snakes and tricked victims into believing that he had supernatural powers. Tiger skins and other wildlife artefacts added to the effect and overwhelmed the victims.

He also offered services such as “vashikaran,” claiming he could control or influence others through special rituals. Victims, as quoted by NDTV, said he would warn them of severe consequences if they did not follow his instructions or continue paying for his services.

In several cases, people were tricked into buying ordinary items at extremely high prices. For example, wild tamarind seeds were sold as “blessed” objects for large sums. Fake gemstones were also sold with claims of healing powers, even though they were worth very little, as per the report.

Kharat’s lavish lifestyle, 150 foreign trips

The investigation has also highlighted Kharat’s luxurious lifestyle. Authorities found that he had made nearly 150 foreign trips since his activities grew, NDTV reported. Photos from his recent international travel have also surfaced online.

Police suspect that his lifestyle was funded through fraudulent practices and exploitation of victims.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the matter has also questioned people linked to the Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple after it found Kharat was connected to the temple's trust. Kharat is the chairman of the trust that runs the trust, located in Nashik's Mirgaon, according to the report.

Kharat allegedly owns a farmhouse and a bungalow, as per the NDTV report. Some complaints claim that he may have control over documents related to dozens of properties, which are now under scrutiny.