Probe reveals new details of Nashik's fake Godman, multiple rapes among over 50 allegations

New Delhi: New revelations are emerging daily in the case involving Ashok Kharat—a self-styled 'Baba' from Nashik, Maharashtra, and an accused rapist. To date, a total of eight First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against him. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted under the leadership of IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute to probe the allegations against Kharat, has now revealed that the accused Baba employed a specific "code language" within his office to refer to various crimes—a code known only to his staff.

What did the investigation find?

The investigation has brought to light that Kharat—popularly known as 'Captain Baba'—would switch off the light of the cabin's chandelier whenever he summoned a woman inside his private cabin for a "purification ritual". The staff understood this signal to mean that a "No Entry" order was in effect for the cabin. The staff was fully aware that, during such times, the Baba was sexually exploiting the woman. According to the police investigation, the Baba used terms like "purification" as a code word to facilitate the sexual exploitation of women. Furthermore, the Baba utilized the term "Avatar Puja" as a code word to orchestrate frauds worth crores of rupees, duping people under the pretext of ensuring business success and removing obstacles.

What is Secret Behind 'Magical Turkish Honey'?

The investigation has also revealed that the accused, Kharat, used to distribute "magical Turkish honey" to his devotees. In reality, Kharat would market ordinary honey as "rare magical honey brought from a cave in Turkey," selling it to people at an exorbitant price—specifically, ₹15 lakh per kilogram. Meanwhile, the SIT investigating Kharat has received over 50 phone calls in the last five days, providing information regarding the crimes allegedly committed by him. Officials disclosed this information on Friday.

How many FIRs have been Registered?

They stated that the SIT—appointed by the Government of Maharashtra—had released two mobile phone numbers to facilitate the sharing of information regarding Kharat or to enable the reporting of any crimes committed by him. The police have so far registered eight FIRs against Kharat, a resident of Nashik, following the receipt of multiple complaints alleging sexual harassment, extortion, and the circulation of objectionable material.

Kharat heads a temple trust in Sinnar, located in the Nashik district. He was arrested on March 18. A 35-year-old woman had accused Kharat of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years. Following his arrest, several additional complaints of rape were lodged against him. A senior official stated that since two dedicated mobile numbers were made public, the investigative team has been receiving an average of 15 to 20 phone calls daily. He noted that out of the calls received over the past five days, more than 50 pertained to complaints against Kharat, and the team is currently in the process of verifying these complaints. He further added that the SIT has given assurances that the identities of those providing information will be kept strictly confidential.