The Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting the probe against Ashok Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer, has received about 50 more calls in the last five days that alleged more crimes committed by him, officials said on Friday.
The Maharashtra government had provided two phone numbers for citizens to share information and report offences committed by the self-styled godman and rape accused.
The team received about 15 to 20 calls daily. About 50 calls were complaints against Kharat. The SIT is currently verifying the claims.
The SIT has also assured the the identities of the informants are strictly confidential.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that criminal action will be taken against those who were circulating an obscene video of Kharat’s victims. Two people have already been arrested by the Kopargaon police station in the Ahilyanagar district for circulating content that showed the victims.
"In the Kharat case, many more victims are coming forward. Some more FIRs will be filed," Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai.
The CM also assured that the victims will be given full protection, including protection of their identities.
The SIT is currently probing six cases linked to the accused, and allegations include rape, human sacrifice and black magic, allegations of sexual assault, extortion and circulation of objectionable material. The police have registered eight FIRs against the Nashik-based Kharat.
Police officials also recovered several documents and files, a diary and papers from the office, the official said.
The Nashik district administration has also suspended Kharats ' firearms licence, citing that with the multiple cases against him, he might use weapons to threaten and intimidate victims.
He had obtained the license on October 15, 2012, renewed it on January 1, 2024, with validity till December 2028, he said.
The SIT probe is being led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute.
Kharat has been booked for the alleged rape and exploitation of multiple women by posing as a religious leader. He had reportedly given them drugged drinks before assaulting them. He was caught after one of the victim's acquaintance set up a camera in his office to expose his crimes. The person used to work for Khrata, and his camera captured about 100 videos.
With inputs from PTI
