Ashok Kharat Police Custody Extended Till March 29 as SIT Probe Deepens

New Delhi: The Nashik District Court today extended police custody of self‑styled astrologer and numerologist Ashok Kharat, also referred to as ‘Bhondu Baba’, till March 29, 2026, amid a deepening criminal probe into multiple allegations of sexual assault, manipulation and exploitation. 

Kharat, arrested on March 18 following a rape complaint, was produced before the court after the conclusion of his earlier remand, and magistrates granted the extension at the request of the prosecution, which said further interrogation and evidence examination were needed. 

Police have formed a Special Investigation Team under senior officers to investigate a widening series of complaints. The SIT, led publicly by Deputy Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar Suryavanshi, told the court it has seized a revolver, cartridges, laptops, cash and other documents as part of the inquiry, and is analysing video and digital material linked to the case. 

The investigation began with a 35‑year‑old woman’s complaint alleging that Kharat repeatedly sexually assaulted her over a period of several years under the pretext of spiritual and numerological rituals. Authorities recovered a large cache of video files from his possession that police describe as potentially significant evidence. 

As the probe has progressed, law enforcement officials said additional complainants have come forward with similar allegations. Police say Kharat now faces six registered criminal complaints, including fresh accusations of assault filed by women aged between 29 and 41, and that the SIT is pursuing all leads. 

Investigators have described how the accused allegedly used fear‑inducing settings and deception to manipulate visitors. Police allege he created staged environments with props and intense ritual scenarios to gain psychological influence over clients, and then offered expensive “energised items” such as stones in return for large sums of money. 

The case has triggered political controversy and public scrutiny across Maharashtra. Former Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Rupali Chakankar resigned after a video of her with Kharat circulated online, leading to criticism from opposition parties and activists. Leaders in the State Assembly demanded accountability and a thorough independent investigation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed legislators, condemning the alleged acts, assuring that the probe would be impartial, and stating that action would be taken even against individuals found to have remote links to the case. 

The SIT has also questioned associates of Kharat, including the caretaker priest of the Ishanyeshwar Mahadev temple and other staff, and has seized CCTV recorders from his properties as it expands the scope of inquiry. Authorities said land transactions and possible abuse of trust and resources are also being reviewed. 

In its appeal to the public, police have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation, while emphasising protections for victims. Residents and social activists have called for expedited court proceedings and stricter oversight of self‑styled spiritual figures.