Ashok Kharat Viral Videos Scandal: Nashik ‘Godman’ Arrested in S*x Assault Case Was Named in 2022 Suicide Note
The case against Ashok Kharat has widened as police reopen a 2022 suicide probe after a note alleged harassment and threats. Already jailed over s*xual assault claims, fresh scrutiny and new allegations have intensified the investigation.
Mumbai, April 3: More details are emerging in the case involving self-styled godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat, who is currently in jail over allegations of s*xual assault on multiple women. The case has taken a fresh turn after claims that his name was earlier removed from an abetment to suicide chargesheet.
The controversy dates back to 2022, when Vikas Ramdas Divate, 37, died by suicide in Shirdi. In a note, Divate directly blamed Kharat and his in-laws. “I am Vikas Ramdas Divate and I am ending my life by hanging myself. The person responsible for my death is ‘Captain’ Kharat from Nashik. My in-laws are also responsible. Kharat threatened me over the phone,” he wrote, adding that call recordings were stored on his phone. Ashok Kharat Case: Self-Styled Godman Accused of Feeding Fish to Jain Followers Calling It ‘Marine Plant’.
Divate’s brother, Rajendra Divate, alleged that despite these claims, Kharat’s name was dropped from the chargesheet. “Attempts were then made to shield Kharat… his name was not mentioned in the chargesheet. He was subsequently given a clean chit,” he said.
Police officials have confirmed that the abetment to suicide case is being reopened and Kharat’s role will be investigated again. Authorities have also urged other possible victims to come forward. Ashok Kharat Viral Videos Scandal: Self-Styled Godman Sold ‘Magic’ Turkish Honey at INR 15 Lakh a Kg to Elite Clients.
Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer who called himself ‘Captain’, was arrested on March 17 after a woman accused him of s*xual assault over three years. During the investigation, police reportedly recovered 58 videos, including objectionable clips.
The case has also had political fallout, with Rupali Chakankar resigning from key posts after alleged links with Kharat surfaced.
The probe into Ashok Kharat continues to widen as more allegations come to light.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2026 12:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).