A fresh case of alleged fraud has been registered against self-styled astrologer and ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat, who is already facing multiple serious charges. In the latest development, he has been accused of cheating his own chartered accountant (CA) of ₹8.76 crore, further expanding the scope of an already widening investigation.
The case pertains to incidents that reportedly took place between 2018 and 2023. According to the complaint filed by the CA, Kharat allegedly exploited a position of trust to siphon off large sums of money over a period of time. Based on the complaint, a case was registered late Friday night at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik.
Investigations have revealed that the complainant was once a close associate of Kharat and had even served as a trustee of the ‘Shivanika Trust’, which manages the affairs of a temple located in Sinnar taluka. Authorities believe that this close association enabled Kharat to gain the victim’s confidence and subsequently draw him into the alleged financial trap.
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Fear Tactics and Ritual Demands
As per the First Information Report (FIR), Kharat allegedly instilled fear in the victim by claiming that his parents were under imminent threat and could face death due to an impending crisis. To avert this supposed danger, the victim was advised to conduct specific religious rituals. Over time, substantial amounts of money were reportedly collected in the name of performing these rituals, eventually amounting to ₹8.76 crore, with no clear accounting of how the funds were used.
With this latest case, the total number of cases registered against Kharat has risen to 12. These include eight cases related to sexual exploitation of women and four cases of cheating. Additionally, reports suggest that at least seven more complaints have been filed against him in various cities across Maharashtra, indicating that the scale of the alleged wrongdoing may be far more extensive.
Patterns of Exploitation and Influence
Sources indicate that Kharat allegedly leveraged people’s faith and emotional vulnerabilities to establish influence over them. Presenting himself as an expert in astrology and spiritual practices, he reportedly convinced individuals that he could resolve their personal and family problems. This trust, investigators say, was then used to extract significant sums of money from victims.
Experts believe that such cases often involve the use of “fear psychology” and blind faith. Once a person is made to believe that a major threat looms over their life or loved ones, they may be willing to go to extreme lengths to seek a solution. This creates an environment where fraudsters can operate with relative ease.
Custody, Questioning, and Widening Probe
Kharat was recently taken into custody in connection with another case and has been remanded until April 26 in a sexual exploitation case, one among several registered against him. Authorities are currently questioning him to uncover further details and possible links to other individuals involved in the alleged network.
Investigative agencies are now focusing on identifying patterns across the various complaints to determine whether the cases are interconnected and part of a larger, organized operation. They are also examining whether the number of victims may be significantly higher than currently reported.
Legal Challenges and Public Advisory
Legal experts point out that cases involving multiple serious allegations tend to become complex, both in terms of investigation and prosecution. Often, victims take time to come forward, which makes it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage at an early stage.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown individuals. Citizens are also advised to thoroughly verify any claims or demands made in the name of religious rituals or financial arrangements before making payments.
The case once again highlights how frauds committed in the name of faith and belief continue to pose a serious challenge. It underscores the need for greater awareness, vigilance, and rational thinking to prevent individuals from falling prey to such schemes.
