NASHIK / MUMBAI: The arrest of self-styled “godman” and numerologist Ashok Kharat, popularly known as “Captain,” has ignited a nationwide firestorm. What began as a local rape investigation in Nashik has rapidly evolved into a massive scandal involving allegations of systemic sexual exploitation, financial fraud, and occult practices, leading to high-profile political casualties.
Ashok Kharat is currently trending at the top of social media platforms following his arrest on March 17, 2026. The momentum of the case intensified after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) recovered a pen drive containing 58 objectionable videos featuring multiple women.
According to SIT officials, Kharat—a former Merchant Navy officer—allegedly used his “spiritual” influence to drug and exploit women under the guise of religious rituals. He currently faces eight FIRs including charges of:
Repeated Rape: Exploiting women by promising to resolve marital and personal crises.
Black Magic & Fear Tactics: Using props like fake snakes and “enchanted water” to extort lakhs of rupees from wealthy clients by convincing them they were “cursed.”
Blackmail: Allegedly filming victims to ensure their silence and continued cooperation.
Opposition leaders have dubbed the evidence the “Maharashtra Epstein Files,” claiming the scale of the digital evidence suggests a wide-reaching web of abuse involving influential figures. The comparison to the Epstein case stems from the “pen drive” containing dozens of videos, which the opposition claims is evidence of a wider network of exploitation involving the state’s elite.
Political rivals, specifically from the Shiv Sena (UBT), have released more photos allegedly showing Kharat in meetings with various industry and government officials.
Rupali Chakankar: The Political Casualty
The scandal has claimed its most prominent political figure in Rupali Chakankar, who resigned as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women on March 20, 2026, and subsequently as the NCP Women’s Wing President.
Sex Magick, Tantra, Temple Prostitution Destroyed Indian Civilisation.
Sexually Unsatisfied Women Approach Godmen/Astrologers/Doctors.
Rupali Chakankar Said:She Only Had A Spiritual Relationship With Ashok Kharat.
Imran Khan+Bushra Spiritual Relationship Turned Sexual/Marital. pic.twitter.com/gN7rVf21p1
— Zeus⚡️△ | Jupiter⚡️△ | Guru⚡️△ (@musicology21) March 27, 2026
Chakankar’s downfall was triggered by viral videos that surfaced shortly after Kharat’s arrest:
– The Ritual Video: Footage showing Chakankar performing *Paadya-Puja- (washing the feet) of Ashok Kharat went viral, drawing sharp condemnation. Critics argued it was “morally untenable” for the head of a women’s protection body to show such reverence to a man now accused of serial sexual assault.
– The “Guru-Mauli” Clip: In another video, she is heard crediting Kharat for her career and life, calling him her spiritual guide.
Chakankar’s resignation has also reignited public debate over her past record. While she claimed the Kharat videos were several years old, opposition leaders highlighted her history of controversial stances.
Public sentiment against Rupali Chakankar has been further fueled by reminders of past incidents where she was accused of mocking religious sentiments, specifically regarding the burqa and Islamic practices during regional hijab/burqa debates in Maharashtra.
Social media users have pointed out the “irony” of a leader who previously critiqued the conservative attire and religious choices of Muslim women being caught on camera performing subservient rituals for a now-disgraced “godman.”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed that the SIT investigation is being expanded to check if any government officials or high-ranking politicians assisted Kharat in his activities. A Lookout Circular (LOC) was issued earlier this month to prevent him from fleeing the country.
As of this morning, the number of official cases against Ashok Kharat has risen to 10. This includes 8 cases of rape and 2 cases of high-value cheating and extortion.. He remains in police custody until at least March 29 (today) as more survivors continue to come forward through dedicated police helplines.
