India, March 19 -- A 67-year-old self-styled astrologer has been arrested in Nashik for allegedly sexually exploiting multiple women under the guise of spiritual healing, in a case that has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra.

The accused, Ashok Kharat, is charged with repeatedly raping a 35-year-old woman after allegedly intoxicating and hypnotising her during so-called ritual sessions, police said. Investigators now believe the abuse extended far beyond a single victim.

Once there, he allegedly administered intoxicants and used fear tactics, including threats of death and references to occult practices, to sexually assault them.

Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute to probe th...