News for 'godman'

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.

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government for an update on the health of self-styled godman Asaram, who is seeking interim bail on medical grounds. The court expressed concern about his well-being, stating "We don't want any untoward thing to happen." Asaram's counsel claims he is a high-risk patient, while the Solicitor General noted he was recently seen walking in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath. The apex court is hearing his plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court's decision to uphold his conviction and life sentence for the rape of a minor.

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.

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.

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?

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brother of Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri arrested

Brother of Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri arrested

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Shaligram Garg, brother of Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri, and another individual have been arrested for allegedly assaulting and firing at a man over a land dispute in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.

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.

Self-Styled 'KGF Swami' Held For Gold Scam In Kerala

Self-Styled 'KGF Swami' Held For Gold Scam In Kerala

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A self-styled godman, Shaji alias "KGF Swami", has been arrested in Thrissur, Kerala, for allegedly cheating people by promising to supply gold at discounted rates. Police seized fake gold and multiple identity cards from his residence, and he is suspected of involvement in other fraud cases.

HC acquits Asaram of gangrape charges, upholds life term

HC acquits Asaram of gangrape charges, upholds life term

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The court directed Asaram to surrender in view of the conviction. He is currently out on temporary bail, which was extended by seven days on Monday.

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Ashok Kharat for Money Laundering

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Ashok Kharat for Money Laundering

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across multiple cities in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering investigation against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and his associates.

Tumbadchi Manjula Review: Middling Remake

Tumbadchi Manjula Review: Middling Remake

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Tumbadchi Manjula, the Marathi re-do of Su From So, sustains only by the original's goodwill, notes Mayur Sanap.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Kharat link sparks fresh doubts

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Kharat link sparks fresh doubts

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar has raised concerns about the 2024 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar, following allegations of a link between a self-styled godman and unusual financial transactions.

Why did Kharat's account see transaction spike on Jan 27, 28? Rohit Pawar asks

Why did Kharat's account see transaction spike on Jan 27, 28? Rohit Pawar asks

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged a link between a godman and the fatal plane crash involving his uncle, Ajit Pawar, and has demanded a CID interrogation.

Congress Demands Probe into Police Links to Maharashtra Call Centre Racket

Congress Demands Probe into Police Links to Maharashtra Call Centre Racket

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Maharashtra has accused senior police officials, including an IPS officer, of involvement in a multi-crore bogus call centre racket and is demanding a high-level investigation.

Kartavya Review: Fascinating To Phusss!

Kartavya Review: Fascinating To Phusss!

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Plot loopholes, unresolved arcs and feeble explanations for cruel betrayals, Kartavya's hastily wrapped conclusions and gabby excuses makes it look like a demo reel for a OTT series

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.

Godman used threats, foreign trip promises to assault EWS students

Godman used threats, foreign trip promises to assault EWS students

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The self-styled godman on the run after allegedly sexually assaulting several female students of a management institute in New Delhi, allegedly pressured them with threats of lower grades and lured them with promises of foreign trips, an officer said on Wednesday.

Rajasthan High Court Reserves Verdict In Asaram Case

Rajasthan High Court Reserves Verdict In Asaram Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has reserved its order on Asaram's appeal against his conviction and life sentence in a sexual assault case. The trial court sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment in 2018. The High Court conducted hearings in a time-bound manner following Supreme Court directions.

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, has received a surge of calls providing information and reporting alleged crimes after a public appeal.

Delhi godman spied on students, secretly clicked photos

Delhi godman spied on students, secretly clicked photos

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The seizure of the self-styled godman's phone revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour.

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.

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed key cases with the Home department and directed the police to ensure thorough investigation and strong prosecution.

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Dhirendra Shastri, head of Bageshwar Dham, has apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after facing backlash in Maharashtra. He claimed his comments were twisted on social media and clarified his stance on dedicating children to the RSS.

Godman accused of harassing 17 students, sent to 5-day police custody

Godman accused of harassing 17 students, sent to 5-day police custody

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Earlier, police froze Rs 8 crore linked to Saraswati and parked in multiple bank accounts and fixed deposits.

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Why Saif Ali Khan Was Told Not To Play A Cop

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Shah Rukh Sir gave us a lot of room to make the film we wanted to make.'

Fadnavis Orders Probe into Call Data Leak in Ashok Kharat Case

Fadnavis Orders Probe into Call Data Leak in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

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

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.

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.

Fresh charge slapped on Delhi godman, court sends him to 14-day jail

Fresh charge slapped on Delhi godman, court sends him to 14-day jail

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of molesting 17 women students, has been remanded to judicial custody. Police have added a charge related to threatening a witness.

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Maharashtra Minister Embroiled in Controversy After Video Surfaces

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is facing calls for his dismissal after a video showing him with a transperson went viral. The minister claims the video is doctored and a blackmail attempt, while opposition parties demand his sacking for 'obscene and unethical behaviour'.

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.

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is embroiled in controversy after a video featuring him and a transgender person went viral, prompting calls for his removal from office.