Hidden cameras, hypnosis, and fear: Influential astrologer Ashok Kharat arrested on charge of raping woman

Investigators discovered that Kharat had installed hidden CCTV cameras inside his office

• Astrologer Ashok Kharat arrested for sexual assault in Nashik
• Police found hidden cameras and 58 obscene videos in his office
• Special investigation team formed to probe political connections

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67-year-old astrologer Ashok Kharat was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly raping a woman under the guise of spirituality in Nashik, Maharashtra.

The victim alleged that the astrologer gave her an intoxicant under the pretext of performing rituals, hypnotised her, and sexually assaulted her by exploiting her faith, according to a report by NDTV.

The accused, popularly called “captain,” was arrested from his residence early morning and later remanded to custody until March 24.

Police investigations indicate that Kharat, a retired Merchant Navy officer, targeted more than one woman.

According to the police FIR cited by NDTV, he would call women to his office promising to help with personal problems, then allegedly hypnotise them by giving them an intoxicant. He would then rape women by instilling fears in their minds.

To perpetrate the assaults, he reportedly weaponised fear -- either by threatening the lives of the women's husbands or by exploiting their beliefs in the occult, as per the police.

Investigators discovered that Kharat had installed hidden CCTV cameras inside his office.

The state government has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute to probe the matter.

Nashik Crime Branch Unit 1 is conducting a detailed examination of videos and documents seized from the accused. Several reports suggest that he may have political connections extending from Delhi to key power centers in Maharashtra.

Pune-based social activist Vijay Kumbhar said Kharat’s arrest is not just a crime but a high-profile exploitation racket.

“A self-styled “Captain” and astrologer to powerful circles, he is accused of raping a woman, with police recovering 58 obscene videos—reportedly involving multiple women, including those from influential circles. For years, he built access to politicians, celebrities, and elites through astrology, operating unchecked while allegedly exploiting women behind closed doors. Power proximity breeds blind trust, which leads to systemic silence—and ultimately enables abuse,” he said on X.

“The question is no longer who Kharat is— but who protected him, and who else is in those videos,” he asked.