India, March 19 -- A self-styled godman and numerologist's arrest in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 27-year-old woman has created an uproar in political circles in Maharashtra.

Ashok Kharat, known as 'Captain' for his merchant navy background, is known for his proximity to prominent politicians, businessmen and celebrities. He came into limelight in November 2022 when then chief minister Eknath Shinde visited a temple in Nashik district managed by his trust along with his wife, Lata, and two cabinet ministers - Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Deepak Kesarkar.

A senior police officer from the Nashik police crime branch said a first information report (FIR) was registered against Kharat on Tuesday for allegedly raping and sexuall...