Nashik, March 19: Police in Nashik have arrested a self-styled godman and astrologer, Ashok Kharat, popularly known as "Captain", following allegations of systemic sexual exploitation and blackmail. Police confirmed the seizure of 58 objectionable videos from the accused, who reportedly used his influence as a spiritual advisor to target and film women in compromising situations. There was a surge in online searches for "Ashok Kharat video" and "Ashok Kharat viral video" on March 18 as a video clip purportedly showing him with a woman and doing obscene acts went viral on social media.

According to reports, Kharat, a retired Indian Navy officer turned cosmology expert, is accused of intoxicating women before filming them. Police stated that these recordings were subsequently used to blackmail victims into further exploitation. Maharashtra Shocker: Man Rapes 17-Year-Old Girl, Shares Sex Assault Video on WhatsApp in Bhiwandi.

Ashok Kharat Arrested by Nashik Police

A formal complaint has been registered against Kharat, which includes charges of rape. Investigators noted that his background in arithmetic and astrology allowed him to build a high-profile clientele, including prominent industrialists and celebrities who sought his counsel on personal and professional matters.

Ashok Kharat's Arrest Triggers Political Storm in Maharashtra

The arrest has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra due to Kharat’s documented proximity to state leadership. Photographs of the accused with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, have surfaced and gone viral on social media.

In particular, video footage showing Chakankar performing a traditional ritual of washing Kharat’s feet and referring to him as her "guru" has drawn significant public attention. Chakankar is also a member of the "Shivnika" trust, where Kharat serves as president.

Photos of Ashok Kharat With Eknath Shinde and Rupali Chakankar

Video of Rupali Chakankar Washing Feet of Ashok Kharat Goes Viral

Rupali Chakankar Reacts To Ashok Kharat Controversy

Rupali Chakankar has responded to the controversy, acknowledging her association with the Shivnika trust for social work but denying any knowledge of Kharat’s alleged criminal activities. She has called for an impartial police investigation to establish the facts of the case.

However, the opposition has been quick to demand accountability. Sushma Andhare of the Shiv Sena (UBT) has publicly called for Chakankar’s immediate resignation, terming the incident as "Maharashtra's Epstein file". Andhare alleged that Chakankar’s position may have provided Kharat with political protection and questioned whether the commission’s head could have been unaware of the activities of her own "guru." Maharashtra Shocker: 4 Men Rape Woman in Naigaon Over Course of 2 Months After She Misses Job Interview in Pune, Share Her Obscene Photos on Instagram.

Who Is Ashok Kharat aka Captain?

Police officials highlighted that Kharat had leveraged his "expert" status to acquire significant assets, including several acres of land in Nashik and other metropolitan areas. "Several celebrities, industrialists, and politicians used to approach him for advice," a senior official stated, noting that his dual identity as a retired naval officer and a spiritual guide granted him unusual access to elite circles.

The investigation remains ongoing as police look into the possibility of more victims and examine the extent of Kharat's financial and political influence.

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