A retired merchant navy officer turned astrologer, Ashok Kharat, has been arrested in Nashik, Maharashtra, on allegations of drugging, hypnotising and repeatedly raping a woman over three years, according to reports. The accusations involve claims that the acts were carried out under the guise of religious practices.
Kharat, a resident of Sinnar taluka, is the president of the Shri Ishaneshwar Temple Trust in Mirgaon. After leaving the Merchant Navy, he reportedly gained prominence as a numerologist, attracting politicians, business figures and celebrities who sought his advice.
The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the accused’s public standing in spiritual and advisory circles. Reports indicate that the alleged abuse spanned several years, intensifying the gravity of the complaint.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accusations, including the methods allegedly used to manipulate the victim and the environments in which the incidents occurred.
The arrest underscores the need for vigilance in cases involving abuse of trust and authority, particularly when such authority is linked to religious or spiritual influence.
