Nashik: The Special Investigating Team probing cases of sexual exploitation and cheating against arrested astrologer Ashok Kharat received over 100 calls over the past two to three days from his alleged victims or their relatives.At least 15 callers were women or their relatives, a senior officer of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) said. They alleged that Kharat had sexually harassed them or engaged in obscene acts under the pretext of providing remedies for issues related to health, finances or other personal problems. The rest alleged that Kharat cheated them. Some of the callers identified the arrested astrologer as ‘Capt’ Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, the officer said.Nashik-based astrologer Kharat was arrested on March 18 in a rape case. Later, more cases were registered against him.According to SIT officers, callers from Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Konkan and Mumbai narrated their experiences, alleging that they were either sexually harassed or cheated by Kharat. He allegedly sold low-value gemstones or even tamarind seeds at exorbitant prices.The SIT had released two helpline numbers — 9503270224 and 7775816389 — on March 23, urging people to come forward with their complaints against Kharat. “We think more people will call us in the next few days,” another SIT officer said.“The victims are continuously calling the helpline numbers. We have recorded their details and urged them to visit the SIT office in Nashik to submit their statements, which will help us in the investigation against Kharat. It will also enable us to reach out to more victims and ensure justice to them,” he said.“A caller alleged that Kharat sold him a gemstone worth Rs50 for Rs2 lakh, claiming that it had healing power. Another caller informed us that Kharat charged him over Rs1 lakh (in cash) and gave him a tamarind seed as his blessings. He verified the quality of the gem after news of Kharat’s arrest was broadcast,” the officer said.“We will examine all the statements and initiate further legal action. If the claims are found to be genuine, they will be incorporated into the existing FIRs. If required, separate FIRs will be registered,” he said.Rape-accused astrologer Kharat built Shree Ishaneshwar temple at Mirgaon village in Sinnar of Nashik district, under the banner of Sri Shivnika Sansthan. Water resources minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on March 21 ordered an immediate review and cancellation of a 2020 order granting bulk water to Shri Shivanika Sansthan, following the arrest of Kharat.
