Mumbai, 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 sexually exploiting a 27-year-old woman on the pretext of fake promises. "In her complaint, the victim revealed that she came in contact with Kharat when she consulted him while facing marital issues. He misguided her and sexually exploited her by saying if she agreed to surrender as per his wish, all her problems would be solved gradually. On this pretext, he raped her multiple time between 2022 and 2025," the officer told Hindustan Times. Kharat has been booked under section 64 (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means or a false promise) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Act (BNS), alongside section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. Multiple objectionable videos have been recovered from Kharat after his arrest, the officer quoted earlier said. "The videos are now part of the evidence in the case." Kharat's arrest and the emergence on social media of photos and videos showing top Mahayuti leaders with the self-styled godman provided the opposition a perfect opportunity to attack the ruling coalition. One of the videos showed Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the state women's commission and a member of the Shivanika Sansthan Trust headed by him, washing his feet. Under attack, Chakankar claimed she was involved only in social initiatives of the trust and the police should conduct a thorough probe in the case. "I have no knowledge about Kharat's personal life or the allegations made against him," she said. According to people in Nashik who have closely witnessed Kharat's rise, he returned to Kahandalwadi, his native village in Sinnar tehsil, after completing his stint in the merchant navy. He would introduce himself as 'Captain' during conversations with local residents and ask them for their date of birth and full name, based on which he would dole out numerological advice. "Kharat had communication skills which he used to establish relations with local leaders, police and administrative officers. He used that network to get things done for the people in need," a Sinnar-based social worker who has followed Kharat for more than 26 years told HT. Gradually, Kharat styled himself as an expert in numerology and cosmology and built a following among influential people, Sinnar residents said. He expanded his clout by building the Ishanyeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and established the Shivnika Sansthan Trust to manage the temple. Opposition leaders slammed the Mahayuti government following Kharat's arrest on Wednesday, especially after photos and videos emerged on social media showing various Mahayuti leaders including Chakankar with the self-styled godman. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP said, "Maharashtra's Epstein file has been opened." Another Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare launched a sharp attack on Chakankar, saying when an organisation had accused Kharat of sexual exploitation earlier, Chakankar had misused her position to get the complaint withdrawn and secure an apology from the complainants. "It is quite possible that she might once again misuse her position as the women's commission chief to protect a sexually deviant person," Andhare said, referring to a now viral photo showing Chakankar holding an umbrella for Kharat. Minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam promised strict action in the case. He also appealed to women who may have complaints against Kharat to come forward. "Police will provide them protection and ensure stringent action against the accused," Kadam said. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said, "We don't know the background of all those who come to us. In most cases, astrologers approach politicians and we have to entertain all." The NCP did not react to the controversy till late at night....