Nashik, April 1: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the activities of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has intensified its crackdown, detaining his son for questioning and launching a manhunt for his wife, Kalpana Kharat, who remains at large. According to news agency PTI, these developments follow the registration of an 11th FIR against Kharat, involving a high-value land fraud case in Shirdi. The accused, a former Merchant Navy officer popularly known as "Captain", is already in custody facing multiple allegations of sexual exploitation and cheating.

On Tuesday, SIT officials reached Kharat’s residence in the Karmayogi Nagar area of Nashik and detained his son, Harshvardhan. He was taken to the Maharashtra Police Academy for detailed interrogation regarding his knowledge of his father's alleged criminal activities.

While the son is being questioned, Kharat's wife, Kalpana, has been officially declared "on the run". She has been named as a co-accused in several cases, including the latest land-related fraud. Police have deployed multiple teams to track her whereabouts and that of another associate, Ashok Prabhat Tambe. Who Is Ashok Kharat? Wife, Family and Background of the Nashik Astrologer Accused of S*xual Exploitation.

Rs 10-Crore Land Fraud in Shirdi

The latest legal trouble for Kharat stems from a complaint filed by 55-year-old Raosaheb Gondkar, a resident of Rahata in Ahilyanagar district. According to the Shirdi police, the case involves the alleged illegal usurpation of a four-acre land parcel valued at approximately Rs 10 crore.

Gondkar alleged that he approached Kharat in August 2023 for a loan of Rs 5.52 crore to settle existing debts. As a condition for the loan, Gondkar was reportedly forced to execute a sale deed of his land as security. Although the complainant attempted to repurchase his land by paying an initial advance of Rs 51 lakh and subsequent installments totaling nearly Rs 1.65 crore, the accused allegedly refused to return the property and shuttered his Nashik-based office. Ashok Kharat Case: 150 Women Exploited via Spiked Drinks and Hypnosis; Congress Makes Wife-Swapping Allegations.

Ashok Kharat Case: Pattern of Exploitation and Fraud

With the new filing, the total number of FIRs against Ashok Kharat has reached 11. The SIT, headed by DCP Tejashwi Satpute, revealed a disturbing pattern in the accused's operations:

  • Sexual Exploitation: Seven cases involve allegations of repeated rape and sexual assault under the guise of "divine powers" or "miracle cures" for marital issues.

  • Financial Crimes: Four cases relate to cheating, extortion, and illegal money lending targeting individuals in financial distress.

  • Digital Evidence: Investigators have recovered mobile phone data showing coded contacts and over 100 videos allegedly used for blackmail and intimidation.

Political Fallout Following Ashok Kharat's Arrest

Ashok Kharat, who previously served 22 years in the Merchant Navy, had built a reputation as an influential numerologist and temple trust head in Sinnar. His arrest on March 18 has triggered a political row in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders questioning his alleged ties to prominent politicians who had previously visited his temple.

The SIT continues to verify over 150 complaints received through dedicated helpline numbers. Meanwhile, two other associates, Kiran Sonawane and Arvind Bawake, have been arrested and remanded to police custody for their roles in facilitating the fraudulent loan agreements.

TruLY Score by LatestLY
Rating:4

TruLY Score 4 – Reliable | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 4 on LatestLY. The information comes from reputable news agencies like (PTI). While not an official source, it meets professional journalism standards and can be confidently shared with your friends and family, though some updates may follow.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2026 11:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).