Fear limits testimonies as probe widens in Nashik godman Ashok Kharat rape case
India Today
Fear, influence and silence shape the unfolding Ashok Kharat abuse case in Maharashtra, as villagers, officials and even victims hesitate to speak, while investigators uncover disturbing evidence and a vast network of connections.
When we reached Shirdi to report on allegations of abuse against Ashok Kharat, fear was the first thing that surfaced, shaping every conversation and closing many doors before they could even open.
In Sinnar, we met Rajendra Shelke, vice-president of the Ishanay Ishwar Devsthan Trust. He was cautious from the outset.
“If I give an interview to the media, it may not be liked in the future. Ashok is a big man,” he said, refusing to speak on record.
The hesitation was clear. Yet when told about allegations of physical abuse involving women, he reacted with surprise. “I am shocked to hear this,” he said.
In Ahilyanagar’s Shrirampur, local journalist Dattatray Khemnar shared details that point to the scale of the case.
He claimed Kharat had “physically exploited at least 200 women” and deceived many others. He also said Kharat was preparing to leave the country before police issued a lookout notice.
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