Thu Apr 02 13:30:40 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat Remanded to Police Custody in Rape and Black Magic Case

The Story:

Self-styled ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat has been remanded to police custody until April 8, 2026, by a court in Nashik in connection with a rape and black magic case. This follows his initial remand to magisterial custody in a separate but related case. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) alleges that Kharat has been uncooperative during the investigation. The prosecution detailed accusations of repeated sexual exploitation, including impregnation and forced abortion, spanning from February 2020 to March 2026. Kharat’s lawyer claimed that objectionable videos were being leaked to social media and argued against police custody, suggesting the Black Magic Act was being invoked to circumvent issues of consent.

Key Points:

  • Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, is accused of rape and black magic.
  • He was remanded to police custody until April 8, 2026, in Nashik.
  • The SIT alleges Kharat has been uncooperative with the investigation.
  • The prosecution claims the victim was sexually exploited between February 2020 and March 2026, including forced abortion.
  • The defense argues the Black Magic Act is being used to overcome consent issues and questions the need for police custody.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights the ongoing issue of exploitation under the guise of religious or spiritual authority.
  • The invocation of the Black Magic Act suggests the complexities of proving sexual assault cases, particularly when consent is a contested issue.
  • The selective leaking of objectionable videos, as alleged by the defense, raises concerns about potential bias or manipulation of public opinion.
  • The court’s decision to remand Kharat to police custody indicates the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated.

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