Ashok Kharat Case: Self-Styled Godman Accused of Feeding Fish to Jain Followers Calling It ‘Marine Plant’

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered a complex web of religious deception and financial fraud centered around Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman arrested in Nashik on March 17. Investigators reveal that Kharat allegedly targeted prominent traders, specifically from the Jain community, deceiving them into violating strict dietary religious codes under the guise of "rituals for prosperity". It is reported that Kharat made Jain members consume fish by falsely claiming that it was a marine plant.

Beyond the financial extortion of lakhs of rupees, the accused now faces 11 registered cases of s*xual harassment and a massive digital cleanup of over 3,500 objectionable videos linked to his operations. Ashok Kharat Case Update: Son Detained by SIT, Wife Kalpana Kharat Absconding After Fresh FIR.

Ashok Kharat Deceives Jain Community Members Through 'Marine Vegetation'

The core of the fraud involved convincing followers that consuming fish was a necessary ritual for business growth. According to police reports, Kharat targeted the Jain community - known for its rigorous adherence to vegetarianism - by falsely claiming that fish were actually "marine plants". One 46-year-old businessman remained under Kharat's influence for six years. During this period, he was regularly fed fish under the belief that it was a non-living organism. To bypass the followers' religious concerns, Kharat reportedly employed a pseudo-scientific logic, arguing that because certain marine life lacked traditional bones or visible red blood, they should be classified as vegetation rather than animals.

Financial Extortion and Systematic Targeting

Investigating agencies assert that this was a premeditated scheme designed to exploit the professional anxieties of wealthy traders. By offering "counsel" on future business prospects, Kharat built a steady stream of high-net-worth followers. Once trust was established, the accused allegedly extorted significant sums of money in exchange for these spiritual interventions. Authorities believe the total amount taken from various traders runs into several lakhs of rupees, though the full scale of the financial impact is still being tallied as more victims come forward.

S*xual Harassment and Digital Cleanup by Ashok Kharat

The case took a more severe turn following Kharat's arrest as allegations of s*xual misconduct surfaced. Currently, 11 separate cases of s*xual harassment have been filed against him. The SIT has also been tasked with managing the digital fallout of the case. More than 100 related cases involving the dissemination of objectionable content have been registered across Maharashtra. In a massive coordinated effort, cyber units have successfully removed approximately 3,500 social media links containing sensitive or offensive videos related to the accused and his activities. Ashok Kharat Case: 150 Women Exploited via Spiked Drinks and Hypnosis; Congress Makes Wife-Swapping Allegations.

Ongoing Investigation in the Ashok Kharat's S*xual Harassment Case

The revelations have sparked widespread debate across the state regarding the lack of regulation for self-styled gurus and the ease with which religious faith can be weaponised for criminal gain. Officials said that this is not merely a matter of tampering with faith but a case of calculated, multi-layered fraud. As the SIT continues its probe, officials expect further complaints to emerge, potentially expanding the scope of the charges against Kharat. He remains in custody as the legal proceedings move forward in Nashik.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 02:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).