News for 'godman'

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Maharashtra government has suspended Deputy Collector Abhijit Bhande-Patil for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested in March on rape and financial irregularity charges.

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Maharashtra government has suspended a deputy collector for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in the first such crackdown on officials after the case rocked the state earlier this year.

Pune Godman Accused Of Abetting Student's Suicide

Pune Godman Accused Of Abetting Student's Suicide

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Pune Police have registered a case of abetment against an unidentified godman in connection with the alleged suicide of a 25-year-old music student in Pune. The student, Renuka Harshvardhan Likhite, was found dead in her hostel after transferring money to the godman for occult rituals.

Self-Proclaimed Godman Ashok Kharat Charged In Harassment Cases

Self-Proclaimed Godman Ashok Kharat Charged In Harassment Cases

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a charge sheet against self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat in two of the 17 cases registered against him, accusing him of sexual harassment. The SIT cyber team has removed thousands of objectionable videos related to the cases, and multiple police departments are investigating the various charges against Kharat.

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A court in Nashik remanded self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat in police custody until May 4 in connection with a case of cheating a Pune-based businessman of over Rs 5 crore.

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

Rediff.com6 days ago

NCP leader Rupali Chakankar appeared before a special investigation team (SIT) for questioning regarding her alleged association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is under arrest in rape and sexual exploitation cases. Chakankar, who resigned as the state women's panel chief, has pledged full cooperation with the probe.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Cheating Case: Details

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Cheating Case: Details

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Shirdi police have taken custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat as part of an investigation into a cheating case involving Rs 5 crore. The case was registered based on a complaint by a farmer, and Kharat will be produced in court. This is the ninth case against Kharat, who is also being investigated for sexual exploitation and money laundering.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat has been remanded to judicial custody until May 12 in connection with an eighth case of sexual exploitation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating a total of 12 cases of sexual exploitation and financial fraud registered against Kharat.

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A 37-year-old self-styled godman was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly cheating several people by claiming to possess divine powers and performing 'aghori' rituals.

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested a special PMLA court in Mumbai to issue a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman-cum-astrologer, who is accused of rape and fraud and is currently in police custody in Nashik district, in connection with a money laundering case.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Remanded To Police Custody

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Remanded To Police Custody

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to police custody until April 26 in connection with the sixth case of sexual exploitation registered against him. Kharat, already arrested on March 18, faces multiple accusations of sexually exploiting women and engaging in financial fraud by exploiting his claimed divine powers.

Another Nashik godman booked for sexually exploiting woman

Another Nashik godman booked for sexually exploiting woman

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Dilip Kakde, who claimed to have divine powers, allegedly told them that she had been affected by 'Karni' (black magic) and asked them to perform certain rituals, an official said.

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman In Money Laundering Probe

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman and astrologer, in connection with a money laundering case linked to rape and fraud allegations.

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.

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The death of a close associate of jailed godman Ashok Kharat in a car accident has prompted suspicion from opposition leaders, who question whether the incident was orchestrated to suppress facts in the probe against Kharat.

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.

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania alleges phone calls between Maharashtra politicians and a rape-accused godman, sparking controversy and raising questions about their connections.

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.

Mumbai Congress Calls for Inquiry into Godman Case Leaks

Mumbai Congress Calls for Inquiry into Godman Case Leaks

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, focusing on the leak of victim videos and call detail records. She raised concerns about women's safety and potential political involvement.

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.

How AI Helped Uncover Details in Godman's Case

How AI Helped Uncover Details in Godman's Case

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania used AI to analyse call data records of a self-styled godman, claiming potential links to political figures and unusual financial activity.

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.

Congress Accuses Maharashtra Government of Misusing Machinery in Godman Case

Congress Accuses Maharashtra Government of Misusing Machinery in Godman Case

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra Congress has alleged that sensitive information related to the Ashok Kharat case is being leaked, questioning whether the state government is misusing its machinery to settle personal scores.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Police in Nashik have registered a new case of cheating against astrologer Ashok Kharat, who is already in custody for alleged sexual exploitation and fraud. The latest accusation involves Kharat allegedly cheating his former Chartered Accountant of Rs 8.76 crore.

Son of rape-accused godman Kharat detained for questioning in Nashik

Son of rape-accused godman Kharat detained for questioning in Nashik

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has detained his son for questioning in Nashik. Kharat faces multiple FIRs for alleged sexual assault and fraud, with over 100 complaints received.

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.

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.

Maha godman case: SIT unearths asserts worth Rs 1,500 cr, 100 videos

Maha godman case: SIT unearths asserts worth Rs 1,500 cr, 100 videos

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The SIT investigating self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who faces multiple rape accusations, has made significant breakthroughs.

More Cases Filed Against Maharashtra Godman Ashok Kharat Amidst Investigation

More Cases Filed Against Maharashtra Godman Ashok Kharat Amidst Investigation

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Two more cases have been registered against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, police said on Saturday, adding that the Special Investigation Team which conducting a probe against him has received more than 100 complaints over phone.

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania defends her use of AI to analyse call data records of arrested godman Ashok Kharat, amidst opposition scrutiny and allegations of illegal activity.

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in a second rape case where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman on multiple occasions since 2020 under the guise of religious rituals.

Call Records Spark Demand for Inquiry into Ex-Women's Commission Head's Ties to Accused Godman

Call Records Spark Demand for Inquiry into Ex-Women's Commission Head's Ties to Accused Godman

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania has called for the questioning of Rupali Chakankar, former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, regarding her alleged connections with Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of sexual assault.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rape-Accused Godman Ashok Kharat Faces More Scrutiny as SIT Receives Flood of New Complaints

Rape-Accused Godman Ashok Kharat Faces More Scrutiny as SIT Receives Flood of New Complaints

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, has received over 50 calls reporting crimes allegedly committed by him. Police have registered eight FIRs against Kharat, who is accused of sexually exploiting women and other crimes.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.