PALGHAR (Friday, March 27, 2026) — A 40-year-old self-styled godman in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has been booked for allegedly raping a 35-year-old woman after deceiving her with claims that he was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The victim, a Pune resident, reportedly found the courage to come forward following the high-profile arrest of another “godman,” Ashok Kharat, in Nashik earlier this month.
The Modus Operandi: Spiritual Deception and Blackmail
The investigation, initiated by the Manikpur Police in Vasai, reveals a disturbing pattern of manipulation that began online.
- Digital Bait: The victim first connected with the accused—who runs a social organization in Palghar—via Facebook in 2023.
- The “Divine” Claim: In December 2023, the accused met the woman in Pune. He allegedly convinced her that he was an incarnation of Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and that she was his “Parvati.” * The Assault: He allegedly took her to a lodge in Pune’s Manjari area, where he reportedly administered a numbing substance before raping her.
- Blackmail: During the act, the accused allegedly took surreptitious photographs, which he later used to blackmail and silence her. In May 2024, he reportedly attempted to assault her again at a hotel in Vasai.
The “Kharat Effect”: Courage Through Precedent
The victim explicitly told investigators that she decided to report the crime after seeing the police action against Ashok “Captain” Kharat in Nashik.
- The Kharat Case: Ashok Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer, was arrested on March 17, 2026, for allegedly raping multiple women over several years.
- Scale of Abuse: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute has since uncovered over 100 objectionable videos and filed 8 FIRs against Kharat.
- Political Fallout: The Kharat case has triggered a major political storm in Maharashtra, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordering a high-level probe into the “godman’s” vast real estate empire and alleged political links.
Legal Status: The Zero FIR
Because the primary offense occurred in Pune while the complaint was made in Palghar, the Manikpur police utilized a specific legal tool to ensure immediate action.
| Legal Term | Application in This Case |
| Zero FIR | Registered by Manikpur Police on Wednesday to allow the victim to report the crime outside the area of occurrence. |
| Transfer of Probe | The case has now been officially transferred to the Hadapsar Police Station in Pune for detailed investigation. |
| Potential Victims | The complainant alleges that the accused has exploited several other women using the same “Lord Shiva” ruse. |
Sources
- The Times of India: “Palghar ‘godman’ booked for rape; complainant mustered courage after Nashik astrologer Ashok Kharat case” (March 27, 2026).
- The Hindu: “Palghar ‘godman’ booked for rape; complainant mustered courage after Kharat case” (March 27, 2026).
- Hindustan Times: “Palghar godman booked for rape; complainant mustered courage after Kharat case” (March 27, 2026).
- Official Statement: Senior Inspector Hiralal Jadhav, Manikpur Police Station (March 27, 2026).
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