Retired merchant navy officer turned astrologer arrested in Nashik for drugging, hypnotising woman

A retired merchant navy officer turned astrologer named Ashok Kharat was arrested in Nashik, Maharashtra. He was accused of allegedly drugging, hypnotising and repeatedly raping a woman over the span of three years under the name of religious practices, as per reports.

Ashok Kharat, a resident of Sinnar taluka, serves as the president of the Shri Ishaneshwar Temple Trust in Mirgaon. A former Merchant Navy employee, he later gained recognition as a numerologist, drawing the attention of politicians, business figures, and celebrities seeking his advice.

As per reports, the ‘godman’ also known as ‘Captain’ Kharat, was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch for allegedly raping a woman and reported manipulating multiple others. As reports suggest, Kharat manipulated a 35-year old married woman by claiming to possess divine powers, and gaining her trust through rituals, occult practices.

Reports suggest that he has allegedly drugged her with food and water mixed with intoxicants, then hypnotised her and allegedly sexually assaulted her between November 2022 and December 2025. This abuse lasted nearly three years before the victim approached the police.

The victim was reportedly threatened with dreadful consequences, which included harming her husband and ruining her life and image if she opposed or spoke out. Additionally, reports suggest that Kharat misused the victim’s religious faith to wield control over her.

During a raid at Kharat’s office, “Oaks Property Dealer and Developer” in Canada Corner, a pendrive was seized by police, which reportedly contained 58 obscene video clips. Reports suggest that the footage may have multiple victims, including some high-profile individuals. 

The material has been sent for forensic analysis, and more details are likely to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, a CCTV clip from the office has surfaced, allegedly showing the accused performing suspicious rituals with a woman before engaging in physical relations. Authorities are currently examining the footage to verify its authenticity and understand the context.