The Maharashtra Police have reportedly swung into action to stop the spread of videos and images related to sexual atrocities allegedly committed by Ashok Kharat. Authorities have urged people to delete such content immediately if any is stored on their mobile phones, as part of protecting the privacy of the survivors.
A clear warning has been issued by the police against sharing any photos, videos, or identifying details of the women who were abused by Ashok Kharat. Strict action will be taken against anyone found doing otherwise, they warned.
Two people have been arrested and booked by the Kopargaon police station in the Ahilyanagar district in connection with the circulation of the content, Marathi media reports said. The charges include Sections 294(2), 294(3), and 294(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. TV9 Marathi said.
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Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state assembly that all photos and videos related to the cases had been removed from social media, and a notice had been issued to a news channel for revealing the identity of a survivor. The recent reports concerning the arrests in Ahilyanagar did not have much information on the source of the leak.
"Kharat was arrested on 17 March. During searches, police seized two laptops, one revolver, and 21 live cartridges, and found that he owned a farmhouse at Mirgaon in the Nashik district," Fadnavis said, adding that the probe against the 'godman' was formally handed over to the SIT on 19 March.
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A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, is probing the cases against Kharat. It said six criminal cases have been registered against him so far, and the victims include a pregnant woman.
Officials said the SIT has found 100 objectionable videos and assets worth around ₹1,500 crore related to Kharat. While the Income Tax department is investigating financial irregularities and the property holdings of Kharat and people related to him, the cyber police are examining the videos.