The astrologer arrest in the Nashik sexual ritual abuse case has shaken residents in Nashik after police detained Ashok Kharat, a retired merchant navy officer who allegedly used his spiritual practice as a cover for repeated sexual abuse. Investigators say the accused relied on fear, manipulation, andintoxicating substances to control victims who came to him seeking guidance. Watch full videos in this Telegram Channel.
According to officials, the arrest followed multiple complaints filed over time. Victims claimed that Kharat invited them to private sessions, presenting them as special rituals meant to solve personal problems. Police say he exploited vulnerable individuals who trusted him as an astrologer during these sessions.
Senior officers involved in the case revealed that Kharat allegedly administered substances that left victims disoriented. Once they were unable to resist, he carried out sexual acts. Authorities believe that fear played a major role in keeping victims silent. Some were told that speaking out would bring harm to them or their families, while others feared social stigma.
What has further alarmed investigators is the discovery of hidden cameras inside Kharat’s office. During a search, police recovered recording devices placed in strategic locations. These devices were used to capture explicit footage without the victims’ knowledge. Officials say the accused later used these recordings to threaten victims or, in some cases, leak the videos.
A police spokesperson said the case came to light after one survivor found the courage to report the abuse. This complaint encouraged others to come forward. “Once we started looking into the matter, more people approached us with similar accounts,” the officer explained. “There appears to be a pattern in how the accused operated.”
Kharat’s background as a former merchant navy officer gave him a sense of authority, according to investigators. After retirement, he reportedly built a following as an astrologer, attracting clients from different walks of life. Many believed they were consulting a trusted spiritual advisor, not someone who would harm them.
People in the area were shocked when they heard about the arrest. Some people said they had heard of Kharat’s practice but didn’t know about the claims. Others said that cases like these often go unnoticed because victims are afraid to speak up, especially when the accused is powerful, and they fear retaliation or disbelief from authorities and the community.
The police have asked anyone who may have talked to the accused to come forward. They think there might be more victims who haven’t come forward yet to tell their stories. Police also said that forensic teams are looking at the recovered devices to find more victims and gather evidence.
Experts in the law say that this case shows that people need to be more aware of abuse that is hidden as spiritual or ritual activities. They say that criminals sometimes use belief systems to gain trust and power. In these kinds of situations, victims may not be able to figure out what’s going on or feel like they can’t question authority.
Kharat has been charged with several crimes, such as sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and invading someone’s privacy. If he is found guilty, Indian law could punish him very harshly. The police say they are committed to making sure that justice is done for those who were harmed, and the investigation is still going on.
People are also talking more about safety and responsibility because of the case. Community leaders want people who offer spiritual or healing services to be watched more closely. They say that trust shouldn’t be given without being checked, especially when people are talking to each other in private.
The investigation is still going on, and the main goals are to gather evidence and get more people to speak out. Officials hope that this case will make it clear that crimes like this will not go unpunished or unnoticed.
