Maharashtra is currently grappling with disturbing revelations as two self-styled godmen were arrested for sexual assault within a single week. These cases have sparked intense public scrutiny, particularly due to the alleged close ties both suspects share with high-ranking officials in the current Maharashtra government.

The Arrest of Ashok Kharat and State Allegations: 

Ashok Kharat, a prominent godman and astrologer operating primarily in the Nashik region, was arrested on March 18. Known for maintaining close relationships with senior political leaders and societal elites, Kharat’s downfall began when several videos allegedly featuring him gained traction on social media. One particularly harrowing clip reportedly showed him forcing a woman to drink urine and committing sexual assault.

Amidst the circulation of these videos, Kharat himself had approached the Vavi police station in Nashik on December 29, 2025, to file an FIR. He claimed that fake videos were being fabricated to blackmail him for a sum of 5 crore rupees. In response, the Nashik police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satputhe. While the SIT began its official probe on March 13, the situation shifted drastically on March 17 and 18 when two women filed complaints at the Sarkarwada police station. They alleged that Kharat had repeatedly raped them between 2022 and 2025. Following these formal complaints, the SIT took Kharat into custody on March 18.

Explosive Revelations by a Former Associate: 

A significant breakthrough occurred on March 22 when Neeraj Jadhav, a long-time associate of Kharat, provided a statement to the SIT. Jadhav alleged that Kharat had sexually assaulted approximately 22 women. To substantiate these claims, Neeraj handed over several videos to the investigators which he had recorded secretly, documenting the abuse.

Kharat’s Deep-Rooted Political Influence: 

Operating in the realm of occult practices for nearly twenty years, Kharat successfully built a vast network of influence among the elite. He serves as the chairperson of the Shivanika Trust in Mirgaon, under which he constructed the Ishaneshwar temple.

Evidence of his political reach dates back to March 31, 2018, when Jaykumar Rawal, then a BJP minister, sanctioned 1.05 crore rupees for the temple from the State Tourism Department’s funds. Furthermore, sensational claims have surfaced regarding his influence over legislators. It is alleged that upon Kharat’s instructions to ensure a victory for the BJP-led alliance in the state elections, 38 MLAs intentionally injured their fingers as part of a ritual. Images from that period showing several MLAs with bandaged fingers have resurfaced on social media as purported proof of this influence.

The Case Against Rishikesh Vaidya: 

Following Kharat’s arrest, another self-styled godman, Rishikesh Vaidya, came under fire. A woman filed a complaint alleging that Vaidya raped her after claiming to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The victim reportedly met Vaidya via social media in 2023.

According to the complaint, Vaidya met her in Pune in December of that year, where he convinced her of his "divine" status and subsequently assaulted her. The victim further alleged that Vaidya filmed the acts on his phone and used the footage to threaten and silence her.

A State in Reflection: 

Maharashtra holds the distinction of being the first state in India to pass legislation against superstition and black magic. However, the emergence of two high-profile sexual assault cases involving godmen within a single week has raised serious concerns. The proximity of these individuals to powerful government figures remains a critical and controversial aspect of these unfolding investigations.