Maharashtra 'Godman' Kharat Faces New Rape Allegations, Remanded to Custody

Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman in Maharashtra, has been remanded to judicial custody in a third rape case involving a pregnant woman. Evidence was gathered using a spy camera by the victim’s husband. Kharat faces numerous cases, predominantly related to sexual assaults, and additional legal actions are anticipated.

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody until April 20 in his third rape case, involving the sexual exploitation of a pregnant woman.

The special investigation team (SIT) presented Kharat for a virtual hearing as his police custody came to an end. The SIT's remand report led to the court ordering his custody.

Kharat, a former merchant navy officer, faces multiple allegations, with nearly a dozen cases against him, predominantly related to sexual assaults. The SIT seeks further custody as investigations continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)