A 34-year-old school teacher from Nashik has accused self-styled godman Ashok Kharat of using a mobile voice assistant application, similar to Siri, as a tool to deceive and manipulate devotees by presenting it as a “divine spirit” under his control.
According to the woman, Kharat would use the application to generate answers to personal questions posed by visitors, claiming that the responses were coming from a supernatural entity residing in the room. He allegedly told devotees that the space was spiritually charged and that the “spirit” he controlled never gave false answers. By doing so, he is said to have predicted personal events such as lifespan, relationships, and betrayals, gradually building trust and influence over those who approached him.
The complainant stated that she first visited Kharat three to four years ago due to professional difficulties faced by her husband. Initially, she received advice based on numerology, but during subsequent visits, his behaviour allegedly became inappropriate. She claimed that he began complimenting her, held her hand under the pretext of spiritual healing, and touched her inappropriately, prompting her to leave.
She further alleged that during another visit, when she was accompanied by her husband, Kharat asked him to wait outside and called her inside alone, claiming he would perform a ritual to remove obstacles from their lives. During this interaction, she alleged that he made her consume “holy water” from a copper vessel, placed it on her head, and then hugged and kissed her without consent. When she resisted, he allegedly threatened her, warning that revealing the incident would bring harm to her husband and negate the effects of the ritual.
The woman also claimed that she was charged Rs 50,000 for the ritual and was pressured to participate in additional ceremonies elsewhere. Following Kharat’s arrest, multiple women have come forward with similar allegations, suggesting a pattern of manipulation and abuse carried out over several years.
Investigators are now examining a broader set of accusations that extend beyond sexual misconduct to include exploitation, financial fraud, and a suspected murder linked to a land dispute. A Special Investigation Team has been formed and is reviewing digital evidence, including hidden camera footage that reportedly captures incidents inside the godman’s private chamber.
In another complaint, a woman alleged that Kharat sexually assaulted her repeatedly over several years and that she was forced to consume substances during these encounters. She further claimed that she became pregnant and was later given medication that led to a miscarriage. Fear of consequences and Kharat’s influence allegedly prevented her from reporting the incidents earlier.
With the investigation ongoing, authorities expect more individuals to come forward. Kharat remains in police custody as officials continue to examine evidence and establish the full extent of the alleged crimes.
