The spine-chilling case of self-styled ‘Godman’ Ashok Kharat from Nasik has once again exposed the ugly underbelly of blind faith in modern India. Accused of serial rape, sexual harassment of pregnant women, forced abortions, and extortion, Kharat is currently behind bars. Within just five days of the investigation, the police received over 50 calls from women reporting horrific sexual abuse under the guise of spiritual healing.

Victims, including highly educated women from affluent families in Delhi, shared how they were coerced into compromising situations. Using illness or “evil spirits” as a pretext, Kharat would touch women inappropriately and perform “rituals” behind closed doors. Shockingly, in many cases, victims were handed over to the predator by their own family members out of blind devotion. Beyond sexual crimes, Kharat is also accused of swindling crores of rupees from businessmen in Pune and Shirdi.

On Wednesday, a Nasik court remanded Kharat to judicial custody until April 14. However, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is preparing to re-arrest him in connection with fresh sexual assault cases. While his accomplices and wife remain at large, the SIT is conducting raids to dismantle his entire network. This case serves as a grim reminder that as long as superstition outweighs scientific temperament, such predators will continue to thrive in the name of religion.