Overview
- A Nashik court rejected a police request for custody in an eighth case and ordered Ashok Kharat held in judicial custody until May 12.
- Police say the latest case involves a woman who turned to Kharat for help with family problems and was then sexually exploited.
- The Special Investigation Team is examining 12 cases across Nashik and Ahilyanagar that allege sexual abuse and financial fraud.
- Investigators who searched Kharat’s office reported finding 35 ring-size moulds and a high-value cheque, saying he sold rings worth about ₹5,000 for sums running into lakhs by invoking rituals.
- Kharat’s political ties are drawing scrutiny as MLA Rohit Pawar alleges a link to a past fatal plane crash and seeks CID questioning, a claim not proven.