Nashik: The special investigation team (SIT) investigating cases involving astrologer Ashok Kharat will seek his police custody in the third case on Thursday.A court sent him to 14 days of judicial remand after his custody with the SIT over the second case ended on Wednesday. Due to security concerns, Kharat was not produced in court in person and the proceedings were held via video-conference. The SIT sought the court’s permission to arrest him in the third case filed at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik. Police said the case relates to rape and outraging modesty, punishable under relevant sections of BNS and other sections of Maharashtra Prevention of Black Magic Act. The complainant also accused Kharat of money laundering and scaring people with toy snakes and tigers to extort money. Police officials said he’ll be taken to Nashik Road jail and re-arrested there in the third case. Kharat has been behind bars since March 17. —Santosh Sonawane
