A 34-year-old school teacher from Nashik has accused Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman facing rape allegations, of using a voice assistant application similar to Siri to mislead his followers. The teacher claims that Kharat manipulated individuals by claiming the application produced answers from a divine source, allowing him to exert control over them. This tactic enabled him to predict significant life events, such as the lifespan and betrayals of his visitors, further enhancing their trust in him.

Initial Encounters and Allegations of Misconduct

According to the teacher, she first approached Kharat three to four years ago in hopes of receiving guidance for her husband’s professional challenges. Initially, she sought advice rooted in numerology and experienced a respectful interaction. However, during a subsequent visit, she alleged Kharat’s behavior shifted dramatically. He is said to have complimented her, held her hand under the pretext of healing, and touched her inappropriately, prompting her to leave.

Coercion and Rituals

On another occasion, accompanied by her husband, the teacher stated that Kharat separated them by asking her husband to wait outside while he invited her into a private area, ostensibly to conduct a ritual intended to alleviate her husband’s obstacles. During this ritual, Kharat allegedly made her consume “holy water” from a copper vessel, placed it on her head, and then proceeded to embrace and kiss her from behind. When she resisted his advances, Kharat purportedly threatened her not to disclose the incident, warning that it would negatively impact her husband and undermine their religious commitments.

Financial Exploitation and Wider Implications

The woman also reported that Kharat charged Rs 50,000 for the ritual and urged her to participate in further ceremonies at a temple in Mirgaon. Following Kharat’s arrest, multiple women have come forward, sharing similar experiences of abuse and exploitation. An investigation that began with accusations of misconduct has now broadened into a comprehensive inquiry into claims of rape, financial fraud, and a suspicious death related to a land dispute involving Kharat.

Ongoing Investigation

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to examine digital evidence, including reportedly hidden camera footage that may document misconduct within Kharat’s premises. One victim alleged that Kharat had repeatedly raped her from 2020 to 2026, claiming he coerced her during various rituals. She stated that after she became pregnant, Kharat insisted she take counterfeit medication that led to a miscarriage. The woman had remained silent out of fear of retaliation due to Kharat’s perceived political influence until she finally approached law enforcement authorities.

Anticipation of More Victims Coming Forward

The investigation is still active, with expectations that additional victims may choose to share their stories. Kharat is currently in police custody as the inquiry continues into these serious allegations of abuse and manipulation.

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