'₹1 Lakh For Anyone Who Chops Ashok Kharat's Hands': Protest In Pune Against Nashik 'Godman'

Ganimikava Yuva Seva Sangh staged a protest at Balgandharva Chowk in Pune against Merchant Navy officer-turned self-styled astrologer and godman Ashok Kharat on Monday. The protesters demanded action against Kharat and said they would give ₹1 lakh to anyone who chops off his hands.

Kharat was arrested on March 18 for rape and other offences on the complaint of a 35-year-old woman. She alleged that Kharat raped her several times over a period of three years.

Since then, the probe has revealed the alleged power Kharat wielded among a set of political leaders as well as transactions linked to land in Sinnar and some other areas in Nashik district.

Asha Gaikwad, one of the protesters, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "Women go with a lot of hopes to such babas. Taking advantage of it, the accused has done wrong to women. Accused Ashok Kharat has played with the victims' emotions and money. Meanwhile, when we got to know that Rupali Chakankar, former state women's commission chief, is connected with the accused, it is very shameful. We want justice for the victims, not political protection for the accused. The police must act strongly and ensure no one is shielded."

Rajshree Sherkhane, another member of the organisation, highlighted, "We know no one is going to cut the hands, but this is our anger. Such statements about rewards and violence only reflect the anger among people. But our primary demand is strict legal punishment for the accused and a fair investigation into everyone involved. If any harassment occurred with women, they asked for help from the Women's Commission. But if the commission head is linked with the accused, how do the women get fair justice? Strict action should be taken if found guilty."

Sanjay Waghmare, head of Ganimikava Yuva Seva Sangh, said, "We are staging a protest here against the alleged connection between Rupali Chakankar and the rape accused Ashok Kharat. There are many victims coming forward one by one against Kharat. The government should ensure a fair investigation, and strict action should be taken against the accused and the people linked to him."  

'No one will be spared'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that a high-level inquiry under the director general of police (DGP) is underway in the case involving Kharat and asserted that no one will be spared.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said that the police busted the case based on intelligence inputs, and the DGP has been asked to monitor the investigation.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, and it will work with the Nashik police. No one will be spared in this case in any situation, he said.

Fadnavis further said that while efforts are underway to politicise this case, people who have evidence to support their allegations should come forward and cooperate with the police.