Nashik 'astrologer-captain' arrested for years of sexual exploitation, blackmail

• Retired Merchant Navy officer Ashok Kumar Kharat, an astrologer, arrested for allegedly raping a woman for over three years using fear and manipulation.
• Kharat, also chairman of Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust, used threats like 'Your husband will die if...' to coerce the victim.
• Police recovered documents, a pistol, cartridges, and 58 videos, including objectionable clips, from his residence.
• A case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Black Magic Act; a state-level SIT formed to investigate.
• The case sparked political controversy, with calls for Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar's resignation due to alleged links with the accused.