Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat was able to exploit the faith and beliefs of several families to sexually exploit women, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the accusations against him said. He claimed to possess "divine power", which he would use to harm and defame their family members if they did not comply, investigators told the press.
Ashok Kharat was able to convince many women that his wrath could cause deaths in their families. He used the same modus operandi, conducted "rituals", and also used items like stones and tamarind seeds for intimidation and "divine invocation".
Kharat, currently in police custody, is facing 12 criminal cases in Ahilya Nagar and Nashik city, including eight for sexual assault. The SIT has recorded statements from 30 witnesses and victims so far, said IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, who heads the SIT, on Tuesday.
"During questioning, it came to light that the accused exploited the faith of victims and their families. By instilling fear of death in the victims' family members and using items like stones and tamarind seeds, and conducting rituals, he extorted money from them," Satpute told reporters.
"Kharat used the pretence of possessing divine powers to spread superstition in society," she reportedly added.
Responding to a query on the financial aspects of the investigation, the IPS officer said the ED is probing financial transactions and properties.
"We have provided the information requested by the ED to its special investigation team and will continue to offer our full cooperation," news agency PTI quoted the SIT chief as saying.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Monday termed the circulation of videos of women victims in the Ashok Kharat case as "extremely serious" and questioned how call detail records (CDR) related to the arrested self-styled godman reached a private individual.
According to PTI, Gaikwad claimed Kharat, under the guise of superstition, sexually exploited hundreds of women over several years.
How did the local police and the state intelligence machinery fail to detect such activities, she questioned.
She also sought to know what action the state government had taken over the years, even as it now claims to have exposed the case, and asked why the Home Department had no prior information.
"The case may involve links between Kharat and some political leaders and ministers. There must be an inquiry into such connections," PTI quoted Gaikwad as saying.