Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared on Tuesday in the State Assembly that "no individual, irrespective of their political ties or social standing, will evade accountability" in the inquiry concerning self-proclaimed spiritual leader Ashok Kharat.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this includes potential scrutiny of "high-ranking officials" (IAS and IPS) and politicians who allegedly shielded Kharat.

This case, which emerged in March 2026, has caused widespread concern across the state due to the serious nature of the charges and Kharat's prominent connections.

Fadnavis noted that a specialized Special Investigation Team, headed by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute, has been tasked with consolidating various cases while addressing the sensitive testimonies of victims.

He shared disturbing facts about the Ashok Kharat case, revealing that Kharat exploited women by falsely claiming to be a divine figure.

Ashok Kharat committed horrifying acts, including inserting fingers into women's private areas and coercing them to consume urine, misrepresented as "holy water" (teerth).

The Chief Minister highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Maharashtra Police.

"At least eight FIRs have been lodged against him (Ashok Kharat) across multiple districts, with offenses including rape, molestation, fraud, and extortion. Specifically, Kharat is accused of repeatedly assaulting a 27-year-old woman over three years under the pretext of resolving her marital issues, exploiting a pregnant woman (the wife of an employee) by claiming he could perform rituals for a 'healthy child', and using 'special powers' to manipulate and brainwash women," he stated.

Charges have been filed under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.

In this case, the accused demanded Rs 5 crore while threatening to release a woman's objectionable images.

A report has been lodged at the Nashik Police Station.

On February 18, 2026, Neeraj Jadhav circulated an AI-generated image and later removed it.

Although the victim couldn't provide immediate evidence against Jadhav, cases have been registered after gaining the victims' trust and offering counseling, while ensuring their anonymity, according to Chief Minister Fadnavis.

A complaint was lodged by a woman at the Sarkar Wada Police Station in Nashik.

She alleged that she was repeatedly raped after being drugged and threatened with her husband's life.

Ashok Kharat reportedly practiced hypnosis to exert control over women.

"Under the guise of rituals, he (Ashok Kharat) would touch victims' abdomens and insert fingers into their private parts. He coerced women into drinking urine, presenting it as holy water. Claiming to be a divine incarnation, he threatened victims that any disclosure of these actions would bring about 'divine curse/wrath'," the Chief Minister added.

During initial investigations, authorities confiscated Rs 6 lakh in cash, two laptops, a DVR, a revolver, live cartridges, and five spent cartridges.

"Additional victims have been identified and encouraged to file complaints with the help of counseling. Efforts are ongoing to remove the victims' photos and videos from Facebook and other social media platforms," CM Fadnavis stated.

"Authorities have seized assets worth nearly Rs 40 crore, including 33 acres of land, a farmhouse, 40 gunthas of land in Panvel, a flat in Pune registered in his daughter's name, and a marriage hall (Mangal Karyalaya) in Sinnar. Investigations are also underway into properties owned by his relatives," the Chief Minister elaborated.

"The Shivnika Sansthan (the accused's institution) is under investigation. Medical examinations of both the victims and the accused have been completed. Statements from priests and other associates have been recorded. Based on the testimonies of four victims, five cases have been filed," he said.

CM Fadnavis also mentioned that a proactive Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued on March 10, 2026, a week prior to Kharat's arrest, to prevent him from fleeing the country.

This was initiated following an earlier complaint from another district.

Kharat was apprehended on March 18.