Pune/Mumbai: In a significant development in the high-profile sexual assault case involving self-styled godman and numerologist Ashok Kharat, Maharashtra Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by senior IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute. The move comes amid indications that the case may involve multiple victims, with investigators already identifying two additional women whose statements are expected to be recorded soon.
The SIT has been formed on the directions of Sadanand Date, Director General of Police of Maharashtra Police, as investigators widen the probe into allegations that Kharat sexually assaulted women under the guise of religious rituals and occult practices.
SIT Formed on DGP’s Orders, Tejaswi Satpute Takes Charge
Officials confirmed that Tejaswi Satpute, currently serving as Commandant of the State Reserve Police Force in Pune, has formally taken charge of the investigation.
The SIT reportedly consists of five to ten officers drawn from the crime branch, including women personnel, to ensure sensitive handling of victim statements and evidence collection.
Police sources said the decision to form a specialised team was taken considering the gravity of the allegations and the possibility that the case could uncover a wider pattern of abuse.
Survivor Alleges Repeated Assault Since 2022
The case was initially registered at Sarkarwada Police Station after a 27-year-old woman accused Kharat of repeated sexual assault.
According to the complaint, the survivor had been visiting Kharat since 2022 and alleged that he repeatedly assaulted her under the pretext of conducting religious rituals and spiritual remedies.
She further stated that Kharat threatened her with severe consequences if she disclosed the abuse.
Investigators later transferred the case to the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Unit 1, Nashik, before the formation of the SIT.
Police Suspect More Victims; Statements of Two Women to Be Recorded
Officials now believe the case may extend beyond a single complainant.
“One more important dimension is emerging. Two other women have already been identified, and their statements will be recorded shortly,” an officer associated with the probe said.
Police, however, cautioned that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and more complaints will be necessary to determine the full scope of the alleged abuse network.
Another officer noted that while there are indications of additional victims, investigators are proceeding carefully to build legally sustainable evidence.
Raid at Farmhouse Reveals Videos, Weapon and Ritual Material
During a raid conducted at Kharat’s farmhouse in Mirgaon in the Sinnar region, police recovered multiple items considered crucial to the investigation.
The seizure included:
• Documents linked to Kharat’s activities
• A pistol along with live cartridges
• Around 58 objectionable videos
Officials said several of the videos appear to show Kharat conducting rituals before allegedly assaulting women.
These digital materials are now being examined as part of forensic evidence to establish patterns of conduct, identify possible additional victims, and verify timelines.
Charges Filed Under BNS and Black Magic Law
Ashok Kharat has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita as well as the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
The use of the anti-black magic law reflects police suspicion that occult claims and ritualistic practices may have been used to manipulate victims.
Kharat has been remanded to police custody till March 24.
Investigators Say Full Extent of Case Yet to Emerge
Police officials stressed that the investigation is still evolving and the exact scale of the alleged offences remains unclear.
“It may not be limited to a single victim, but additional complaints and corroborative evidence will be required before any wider conclusion can be drawn,” an officer said.
Given the nature of the allegations, police expect that more individuals may come forward once the SIT deepens the inquiry.
Who is IPS Officer Tejaswi Satpute?
Tejaswi Satpute is a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre and is widely regarded as one of the state’s most dynamic field officers, known for combining strong enforcement with social intervention.
Often referred to as “Lady Singham” for her fearless policing style, she has built a reputation for handling sensitive assignments with firmness and public trust.
Early Life and Educational Journey
Born and raised in Shevgaon in a modest family, Tejaswi Satpute became the first person from her taluka to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Her family background reflects rural resilience:
• Her mother worked as a primary school teacher
• Her father was initially a farmer and later ran a small shop
She completed:
• Primary schooling at Dnyandeep Vidya Mandir
• Secondary education at Balasaheb Bharde High School through Marathi medium
• Higher secondary education at New Arts College, Shevgaon
She later earned a degree in Biotechnology from Baramati before pursuing an LLB in Pune.
Initially aspiring to become a pilot, she changed her career path after vision-related limitations and moved toward law and civil services.
She cleared UPSC in 2012 with History and Marathi Literature as optional subjects.
Distinguished Police Career Across Maharashtra
Over the years, Tejaswi Satpute has served in several important policing assignments across Maharashtra.
Early Field Assignments
Her early postings included:
• Assistant Superintendent of Police at Partur in Jalna district
• Additional SP, Pune Rural
Superintendent of Police During Pandemic
As Superintendent of Police in Satara, she handled law-and-order responsibilities during the Covid period.
Operation Parivartan in Solapur Rural
Her most widely recognised initiative came in Solapur Rural, where she launched Operation Parivartan in 2021.
Instead of only targeting illegal liquor operations through arrests, she focused on rehabilitating members of the Banjara community involved in illicit distillation by helping them shift toward sustainable livelihoods such as garment production.
The initiative received wide recognition for blending policing with long-term social reform.
Pune Traffic Reforms
As Deputy Commissioner of Police in Pune Traffic Branch, she introduced several measures aimed at curbing reckless driving and improving urban road discipline.
Mumbai Assignments
She also served as DCP (HQ II) in Mumbai and participated in multiple sensitive investigations.
Recent Posting
In June 2025, she was transferred as Commander of SRPF Group 1 in Pune, a role she currently holds while leading this SIT.
Why Her Appointment Matters
The appointment of Tejaswi Satpute is being viewed as a signal that Maharashtra Police intends to handle the case with high sensitivity and institutional seriousness.
Her experience in both enforcement and victim-sensitive policing is expected to be central as investigators examine whether the allegations against Kharat point to a broader pattern of organised abuse masked through ritual practices.
Investigation Likely to Intensify in Coming Days
With digital evidence under examination, additional witness statements expected, and a specialised SIT now operational, the investigation is likely to intensify over the coming days.
Police are expected to focus on:
• Forensic examination of seized videos
• Verification of past visitors to Kharat’s premises
• Identification of possible additional complainants
• Financial and network links linked to ritual activities
The case is emerging as one of Maharashtra’s most sensitive ongoing criminal investigations involving alleged abuse under religious pretexts.
Read also: CAPF Bill 2026 Reserves 50% IG Posts for IPS Officers, Cites Union-State Coordination as Key Reason
