India, June 24 -- An additional sessions court in Nashik on Tuesday, June 23, granted anticipatory bail to Kalpana Kharat, wife of arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in a case registered against the couple.

Additional sessions judge Kedar Jogalkar granted pre-arrest bail on a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh and one surety of an equal amount. The court also directed Kharat not to hamper the investigation, influence or threaten witnesses, or obstruct proceedings.

In April, the Sinnar police in rural Nashik registered an FIR against the couple after the grocery shop owner, Shivram Mali, alleged they had fraudulently taken possession of land in Mirgoan village belonging to him and his four brothers.

During arguments, the defence said the...