In a disturbing case from Nashik, Maharashtra, a self-proclaimed astrologer and retired army captain, Ashok Kharat, has been arrested following allegations of serial sexual assault and extortion.
According to the police report from March 20, 2026, a 34-year-old woman came forward claiming that Kharat used “astrological predictions” and extreme psychological fear to trap her. The accused allegedly told the victim that her husband was under a “death curse” and would die within a year unless she performed specific “rituals” that involved sexual acts with him.
The investigation took a darker turn when police raided Kharat’s residence and discovered a significant cache of incriminating evidence.
Authorities recovered an unlicensed pistol and 58 graphic videos on his electronic devices, which the victim claims were used to blackmail her into silence and further compliance.
Kharat reportedly threatened to leak the footage and kill her family members with the weapon if she ever approached the police.
This systematic use of “fear of God” and physical intimidation allowed the abuse to continue for months before the victim finally found the courage to report the matter.
Kharat, who operated under the title “Captain Ashok Kharat,” had built a reputation in the local community as a spiritual guide, which he allegedly leveraged to target vulnerable women facing family crises. He has been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rape, criminal intimidation, and extortion, as well as the Arms Act for the possession of the illegal firearm.
Police are now investigating whether there are other victims who may have been silenced by similar threats, as the volume of videos suggests a long-term pattern of predatory behavior.
This case highlights the dangerous intersection of superstition and predatory behavior.
While the arrest of Ashok Kharat brings immediate relief to the victim, the discovery of dozens of videos points to a much larger scale of exploitation.
As the Nashik police continue their forensic digital investigation, the focus remains on identifying any other victims and ensuring that the legal system delivers a strong message against those who use faith as a weapon for abuse.
