‘No one will be spared’: Maharashtra launches high-level probe into Nashik godman rape case

Ashok Kharat, accused of raping a 35-year-old woman over three years, was arrested by Nashik police; CM calls for evidence-based probe.

• High-level probe launched in godman Ashok Kharat rape case
• SIT formed, DGP to monitor investigation with Nashik police
• Fadnavis warns no one will be spared, urges cooperation

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said a high-level inquiry under the director general of police (DGP) is underway in the case involving Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman arrested on rape charges, and asserted that no one will be spared.

Kharat, who claimed to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and was locally known as “captain”, was arrested by the Nashik police following a complaint by a 35-year-old woman. The complainant has alleged that he raped her multiple times over a period of three years.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, Fadnavis said the case was detected based on intelligence inputs and that the DGP has been asked to monitor the investigation.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case, and it will work in coordination with the Nashik police, the chief minister said.

“No one will be spared in this case in any situation,” Fadnavis said.

The accused had, over the years, been visited by several political leaders, allegedly for seeking spiritual advice.

Fadnavis said there were attempts to politicise the case and urged those with evidence to come forward and cooperate with the police.

“Politicising the case without any reason is not good,” he said.

Background and developments

The case centres on allegations made by the complainant that the accused exploited her over an extended period, leading to his arrest by local police.

The state government has now escalated the probe by placing it under the supervision of the DGP and forming an SIT, indicating a broader investigation beyond the initial complaint.

No further details on additional complainants or the scope of the probe were shared at the time of the statement.

Political remarks

Responding to remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “biggest infiltrator”, Fadnavis said the Trinamool Congress leader had anticipated electoral defeat.

“Under such a situation, people sometimes lose their discretion, and hence, one must not pay too much attention to such statements because people very well know who the infiltrators are and who is protecting the nation,” he said.

Fadnavis also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments on the country’s economic condition.

“Amid the ongoing wars in the world, the Indian government has made arrangements and ensured that common people don’t have to face any impact,” he said.

He added that neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced disruptions, including closure of offices and schools and restrictions on fuel sales, while India has maintained normalcy.

“I feel that Rahul Gandhi only tries to defame the country and create anarchy,” Fadnavis said.