News for 'rape accused godman'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pune: Self-styled godman held for rape, forcing victim to drink urine

Pune: Self-styled godman held for rape, forcing victim to drink urine

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The police arrested a self-styled godman and seven of his associates in Pune for allegedly sexually assaulting, physically torturing and financially exploiting a woman over several years under the guise of possessing divine powers, officials said on Thursday.

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.

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

Rediff.com10 May 2026

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.

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.

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.

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Maharashtra Deputy Collector Suspended For Godman Links

Rediff.com14 May 2026

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.

Self-Styled Godman And Aide In Nashik Remanded To Custody

Self-Styled Godman And Aide In Nashik Remanded To Custody

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A self-styled godman, Ashok Kharat, and his aide, Namkarn Avare, have been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in Nashik following accusations of rape and alleged financial irregularities.

Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Law Student In Godman's Obscene Videos Case

Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Law Student In Godman's Obscene Videos Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A Mumbai court granted anticipatory bail to a 21-year-old law student, Abhay Pratap, accused of selling obscene videos of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat online. The court noted the videos were already publicly available, deeming custodial interrogation unnecessary.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat In ED Custody Over Money Laundering

Self-Styled Godman Kharat In ED Custody Over Money Laundering

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A special PMLA court in Mumbai has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until May 26 in connection with an alleged Rs 70 crore money laundering case.

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Maharashtra Official Suspended For Alleged Godman Connection

Rediff.com15 May 2026

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.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already jailed for alleged rape and fraud, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 70-crore money laundering case. The arrest follows court approval and is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale extortion racket.

ED Gets Nod To Arrest Godman In Money Laundering Case

ED Gets Nod To Arrest Godman In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A special court has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to arrest self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in connection with a Rs 70 crore money laundering case. Kharat, already facing rape and fraud charges, was produced before the Special PMLA Court on a production warrant from Nashik jail.

'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.

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, accused of portraying himself as Lord Shiva and using black magic to extort money from victims, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate.

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of systematic extortion and money laundering through a network of bank accounts. Kharat allegedly rotated over Rs 47 crore of ill-gotten money through 60 bank accounts, deceiving devotees by claiming divine powers.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.