Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 20: The Maharashtra government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged sexual abuse case linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, popularly known as “Captain.” The SIT is headed by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute.
Satpute on Thursday questioned Kharat for nearly two hours. However, she refrained from disclosing details of the interrogation, stating that information would be shared once the probe progresses further.
The case has taken a fresh turn after an extortion complaint surfaced from Shirdi. A woman alleged that she received objectionable photographs from an unknown number and was threatened that the content would be made viral unless she paid money. The complainant claimed she was shocked to find explicit images and videos of herself.
According to the FIR registered on February 18, 2026, the accused — identified as Neeraj Jadhav — was working at Kharat’s office in Nashik. The woman also stated that she had visited the office a few years ago. Jadhav is currently absconding.
Investigators are probing whether Jadhav acted independently or under Kharat’s direction, with officials indicating that clarity will emerge after his arrest.
Meanwhile, the Nashik Crime Branch conducted searches at Kharat’s residence, seizing a pistol, cartridges, and cash amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh. Officials estimate that Kharat has amassed assets worth nearly Rs 200 crore over the past 15 years, raising serious questions about the sources of his income.
Preliminary findings reveal that Kharat owns around 30 acres of land in Pathardi village in Nashik, valued at approximately Rs 150 crore, along with 45 acres in Sinnar taluka estimated at Rs 2 crore. Property deeds worth over Rs 30 crore have reportedly been registered in the names of his wife Kalpana, daughter Srishti, and another relative in Pathardi and Gaulane areas.
He is also said to own a farmhouse worth over Rs 10 crore near the Ishaneshwar Temple, while the associated temple trust has an annual turnover of around Rs 2 crore.
Other assets under scrutiny include land near Ozar airport in Janori village valued at Rs 5 crore, a bungalow in Karmayogi Nagar worth Rs 5 crore, and an office near Canada Corner estimated at Rs 1 crore. Additionally, he reportedly owns prime agricultural land in Shirdi worth several crores.
The SIT has intensified its investigation into the allegations, focusing on the financial trail and a possible wider network linked to Kharat.