3-day police custody for astrologer Kharat in 7th rape case

Nashik: A magisterial court remanded rape accused astrologer Ashok Kharat in three-day police custody (till April 29) in connection with the seventh rape case registered against him, rejecting a plea by the special investigation team for a six-day custody.The court passed the order after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The special investigation team (SIT) took Kharat into custody late on Sunday night and produced him before the court via video conferencing.According to the complaint, the survivor has accused Kharat of repeatedly raping her at his Canada Corner office between July and Dec 2024 after administering water allegedly laced with a sedative on the pretext of performing rituals. She had approached him along with her parents for guidance on higher education and career options.The woman told the police she did not disclose the incidents earlier as Kharat allegedly threatened to use his "divine powers" to destroy her family and cause her father's death. She said she gathered the courage to approach the police only after learning about Kharat's arrest in other cases.The Sarkarwada police registered an FIR in this case on March 24. Seeking custody, additional public prosecutor Shailendra Bagade told the court that the SIT needs to ascertain the motive behind the crime, identify the sedative allegedly used, and determine whether the victim was further exploited in the name of religious rituals.Bagade also said investigators recovered articles related to making finger rings from Kharat's office, which are being examined as part of the probe.The police said a total of 12 cases have been registered against Kharat at the Sarkarwada police station so far, including eight cases related to rape and black magic.