Nashik 'Godman', Arrested For Rape, Was Also Named In Suicide Case 4 Years Ago

More skeletons are tumbling out of the closet of self-styled godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat, who is behind bars for sexually assaulting multiple women. The brother of a man who died by suicide in 2022, and left behind a note alleging he was harassed and threatened by Kharat has claimed the astrologer's name was removed by the police from the chargesheet, and he was then given a clean chit. 

Vikas Ramdas Divate, 37, had died by suicide in Shirdi in 2022 and left behind a note in which he blamed his in-laws and Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer who called himself 'Captain'.

"I am Vikas Ramdas Divate and I am ending my life by hanging myself. The person responsible for my death is 'Captain' Kharat from Nashik. My in-laws are also responsible. Kharat threatened me over the phone, and all those calls are recorded on my mobile phone. Action must be taken against them after my death," the 37-year-old wrote in his suicide note, including the passcode needed to unlock the cellphone.

Vikas' brother, Rajendra, said on Thursday that, based on the suicide note and the family's complaint, Kharat's name was mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR).

"Attempts were then made to shield Kharat and, despite Vikas' clear allegations of harassment and threats against the 'godman', his name was not mentioned in the chargesheet. He was subsequently given a clean chit and no further action was taken," Rajendra said. 

Police officials said the abetment to suicide case is now being reopened and Kharat's role will be investigated again. They also issued an appeal urging anyone who may have been wronged by the astrologer to come forward and file complaints.

Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer who called himself 'Captain', was arrested on March 17 following allegations by a woman who said he had sexually assaulted her over three years. During their investigation, police also recovered 58 videos, including some objectionable clips that were saved on a pen drive.

The astrologer also allegedly has political connections, and NCP leader Rupali Chakankar resigned as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women and the state president of the party's women's wing over her alleged links with him. Photos and videos had emerged of her with Kharat and, in one image, she was seen holding an umbrella for the 'godman' as he spoke to some other people.