News for 'Nashik'

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Self-styled 'godman' and numerologist Ashok Kharat has been arrested in Nashik on charges of sexual assault and black magic, setting off a political storm. How did he manage to operate undetected for so long?

SIT Detains Son, Searches for Wife of Accused Godman Ashok Kharat

SIT Detains Son, Searches for Wife of Accused Godman Ashok Kharat

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has detained his son for questioning and is searching for his wife in connection with multiple FIRs, including sexual assault and fraud.

Maharashtra Minister Bawankule Refutes Land Ownership Claims, Vows Legal Action

Maharashtra Minister Bawankule Refutes Land Ownership Claims, Vows Legal Action

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule denies allegations of owning hundreds of acres of land and announces a defamation suit. He also addresses concerns about housing irregularities and farm loan waivers.

Kingpin conspired with NTA official to get NEET paper, says CBI court

Kingpin conspired with NTA official to get NEET paper, says CBI court

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A Delhi court has remanded the alleged kingpin of the NEET paper leak case, Prahlad Kulkarni, and another accused, Manisha Waghmare, to CBI custody for 10 days. This follows the arrest of a biology lecturer from the NTA's paper-setting committee. The CBI seeks to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

Fadnavis: Police Acted Swiftly in Godman Arrest, More Victims Expected

Fadnavis: Police Acted Swiftly in Godman Arrest, More Victims Expected

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state assembly regarding the arrest of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accused of rape, assuring a thorough investigation and protection for potential victims.

'My Father-In-Law's Death Saved Our Marriage'

'My Father-In-Law's Death Saved Our Marriage'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Chitra tells us how her strained relationship with her husband and mother-in-law gradually improved after her father-in-law passed away.

NEET paper leak: 5 remanded in CBI custody, 2 more arrested

NEET paper leak: 5 remanded in CBI custody, 2 more arrested

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The CBI has taken custody of five individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG exam leak and apprehended two more suspects. The agency is investigating the potential involvement of insiders within the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protests continue across the country, demanding accountability and reforms in the examination process.

Owaisi Accuses NIA Of Betrayal In Malegaon Blast Case

Owaisi Accuses NIA Of Betrayal In Malegaon Blast Case

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the NIA's handling of the 2006 Malegaon blast case, accusing the agency of betraying the victims by likely not appealing the Bombay High Court's decision to discharge four accused.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Another godman booked for rape in Maharashtra

Another godman booked for rape in Maharashtra

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Police have registered a case against a self-styled godman from Maharashtra's Palghar district for allegedly raping a 35-year-old Pune-based woman after claiming to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, officials said on Friday.

Dentist Arrested in Inter-State Egg Smuggling Racket

Dentist Arrested in Inter-State Egg Smuggling Racket

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Police in Thane have arrested a dentist from Nashik for allegedly facilitating illegal surrogate mother contracts and egg smuggling at an IVF facility. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into an inter-state racket involving the exploitation of women for egg donation.

Bombay High Court Orders Retrial in 2017 Rape and Murder Case Due to Lack of Legal Representation

Bombay High Court Orders Retrial in 2017 Rape and Murder Case Due to Lack of Legal Representation

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court overturned the conviction and death sentence of a man in a 2017 rape and murder case, citing a violation of his fundamental right to a fair trial due to lack of legal representation. The court ordered a fresh trial, emphasising the need for a fair process for both the accused and the prosecution.

Malegaon Blasts Case: Truth Has Come Out Now, Says BJP Leader

Malegaon Blasts Case: Truth Has Come Out Now, Says BJP Leader

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan claims the truth has emerged in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case after the Bombay High Court discharged four accused individuals.

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for opening over 130 accounts with cooperative credit societies and conducting transactions worth approximately Rs 63 crore.

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for suspicious financial activities involving numerous accounts and large transactions.

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prioritise the investigation over political manoeuvring. Andhare also demanded that the SIT probe former minister Deepak Kesarkar and former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.

Mumbai Police Seize 7.69 Crore Worth of Hydroponic Weed, Arrest Man

Mumbai Police Seize 7.69 Crore Worth of Hydroponic Weed, Arrest Man

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A 24-year-old man was arrested in Mumbai with hydroponic weed valued at 7.69 crore. The accused, Adnan Nasir Khan, was apprehended in Vile Parle while attempting to deliver the consignment. Police are investigating the source and intended recipient of the drugs.

19 years after 31 deaths, Bombay HC discharges 4 in Malegaon blast case

19 years after 31 deaths, Bombay HC discharges 4 in Malegaon blast case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four men accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, overturning a special court order that had framed charges against them. The accused were charged under the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA.

Probe into Astrologer Ashok Kharat Expands with Temple Priest Questioned

Probe into Astrologer Ashok Kharat Expands with Temple Priest Questioned

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against astrologer Ashok Kharat has questioned a temple priest and watchman, while further investigations reveal potential property fraud and misuse of water resources.

How Hyderabad Police Plan To Combat Cyber Fraud

How Hyderabad Police Plan To Combat Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar has proposed a Joint Working Group with the RBI and banks to address the issue of mule bank accounts used in cyber fraud. The proposal follows 'Operation Octopus,' which exposed vulnerabilities in KYC verification. Sajjanar also recommended strict directives for banks to fix accountability and adopt advanced technology to detect suspicious transactions.

Maharashtra Court Acquits Speech-Impaired Woman in Arson Case Due to Conflicting Evidence

Maharashtra Court Acquits Speech-Impaired Woman in Arson Case Due to Conflicting Evidence

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

A court in Thane, Maharashtra, acquitted a speech-impaired woman accused of killing her would-be daughter-in-law, citing inconsistencies in the victim's dying declarations and failure of the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Bombay High Court Quashes Charges Against Malegaon Blast Accused

Bombay High Court Quashes Charges Against Malegaon Blast Accused

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four men accused in the 2006 Malegaon serial bomb blasts, overturning charges including terror-related offences. The ruling raises questions about who was responsible for the explosions that resulted in 31 fatalities.

Sister of NCP Leader Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Sister of NCP Leader Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The sister of NCP leader Rupali Chakankar was questioned by police regarding her alleged connection to the financial dealings of arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Why The Malegaon Blasts Case Has Reached A Dead End

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring crucial evidence. The court highlighted contradictions in the NIA's investigation compared to the initial probe by the ATS, leaving the question of responsibility for the blasts unanswered.

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.

NCP Leader's Sister Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

NCP Leader's Sister Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The sister of NCP leader Rupali Chakankar is being questioned in connection with the alleged use of her bank account by arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is accused of financial irregularities and land grabbing.

Mumbai Man Gets Life for Killing Toddler Over Broken Cup

Mumbai Man Gets Life for Killing Toddler Over Broken Cup

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A Mumbai court sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the 2017 murder of a three-year-old boy, ruling the crime was intentional but did not warrant the death penalty.

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

NCP leader Rupali Chakankar has resigned from her position as the party's Maharashtra women's wing chief following controversy surrounding her association with Ashok Kharat, who has been accused of rape.

Malegaon 2006 Blasts Case: HC Discharges Accused, Slams NIA Probe

Malegaon 2006 Blasts Case: HC Discharges Accused, Slams NIA Probe

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising the NIA for ignoring evidence collected by the previous investigating agency. The court's decision leaves the question of responsibility for the blasts, which killed 31 people, unanswered.

Raj Thackeray Condemns Exploitation of Women Amidst Godman Scandal

Raj Thackeray Condemns Exploitation of Women Amidst Godman Scandal

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticises the exploitation of women in the name of divine power, following the arrest of a self-styled godman in Nashik for rape and sexual exploitation.

Maha women's panel chief quits over rape-accused godman links

Maha women's panel chief quits over rape-accused godman links

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman accused of rape. She submitted her resignation to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

Pune Businessman Accuses Godman of 600,000 Fraud

Pune Businessman Accuses Godman of 600,000 Fraud

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

A Pune-based businessman has accused self-styled godman Ashok Kharat of defrauding him of Rs 6 crore (600,000) under the guise of helping him establish a logistics business abroad. This is the eighth case registered against Kharat, who is already in police custody on separate charges.

MBA Students Die After Mumbai Concert; Drug Overdose Suspected

MBA Students Die After Mumbai Concert; Drug Overdose Suspected

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Two MBA students died due to suspected drug overdose after attending a concert in Mumbai, leading to arrests and political backlash.

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

WhatsApp chats not enough to prove cruelty for divorce: HC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Bombay high court has ruled that WhatsApp chats alone are insufficient evidence to grant a divorce on grounds of cruelty, emphasising the need for a fair hearing and opportunity to rebut allegations.

Women commission to probe egg extraction racket as chilling details emerge

Women commission to probe egg extraction racket as chilling details emerge

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission is investigating a major illegal human egg extraction racket in Thane district, where vulnerable women were exploited for multiple donation cycles using forged documents. The investigation revealed unauthorized IVF clinic operations and unqualified individuals administering medical procedures.

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar due to her alleged connections with a self-proclaimed numerologist, Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested for rape and exploitation.

Kharat spoke to Shinde? Fadnavis orders probe into CDR leak

Kharat spoke to Shinde? Fadnavis orders probe into CDR leak

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the leak of call data records in the Ashok Kharat case and directed the Enforcement Directorate to investigate Kharat's assets.

Maharashtra Opposition Alleges Deteriorating Law and Order, Farmer Neglect

Maharashtra Opposition Alleges Deteriorating Law and Order, Farmer Neglect

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Congress Legislature Party leader in Maharashtra raises concerns about law and order due to missing girls and the impact of unseasonal rains on farmers, criticising the government's response.

Farmers, tribals march to Mumbai to press for land rights

Farmers, tribals march to Mumbai to press for land rights

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Thousands of farmers and tribal residents are marching towards Mumbai from Nashik to demand land rights and other concessions from the Maharashtra government. A delegation has been invited for talks.

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.