Ahilyanagar/Mumbai, April 3: The Maharashtra Police have arrested two men and launched a manhunt for a third in connection with the astrologer viral video case that has sent shockwaves through the state. The accused are charged with circulating explicit videos of women who are victims in the ongoing investigation against Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat .
The development comes as the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, continues to unravel the extent of Kharat’s crimes. The circulation of the ashok kharat viral mms has been deemed “highly sensitive” by authorities, who have warned of strict legal action against anyone found sharing the clips .
The Chain of Circulation: How the Viral MMS Spread
According to a press release from the Ahilyanagar police on Thursday, an FIR was registered at the Kopargaon city police station after officers discovered that explicit content was being shared on a WhatsApp group named “BMW” .
The Investigation Trail:
Police identified the primary accused as Rahul Shinde and Yogesh Adhav, both residents of Kopargaon in Ahilyanagar district. The third accused, identified as Sandip Garje (a resident of Majalgaon in Beed district), remains at large .
Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge detailed the chain of custody for the illicit material:
“Preliminary investigation indicates a chain of circulation. The videos were allegedly first sent by the Beed resident to Adhav, who then forwarded them to Shinde. The latter circulated the content further on a WhatsApp group.”
While Shinde and Adhav have been apprehended, Deputy Superintendent of Police Amol Bharti confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to trace the third accused, assuring that he will be “arrested soon” .
Legal Sections Invoked
The police have registered a case under Section 294(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , along with the stringent Section 67(A) of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Section 67(A) specifically deals with the publishing or transmitting of sexually explicit material in electronic form, carrying severe penalties for violators .
The Bigger Picture: The Ashok Kharat Case
The ashok kharat viral mms leak is a grim subplot of a much larger criminal saga. Kharat, a former merchant navy officer who styled himself as an astrologer and godman, is currently in police custody until April 8 after being produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate B N Ichpurani .
The Gravity of the Offences:
- Total Cases: Kharat is facing a staggering 11 criminal cases. Out of these, seven are related to rape and offenses under the Black Magic Act .
- The “Divine Water” Trap: Investigations have revealed a horrific modus operandi. According to survivor testimonies and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s statement in the Assembly, Kharat would pose as a religious figure offering solutions to marital or personal problems. He would offer victims “divine water” laced with sedatives and subsequently rape them .
- Forced Abortions: In a chilling revelation, one survivor (a 33-year-old woman) alleged that when she became pregnant due to the repeated assaults, Kharat forced her to consume pills to abort the child .
A “Sick” Online Market & AI Fakery
The arrest of the two men has highlighted a disturbing digital trend. Searches for the astrologer viral video have spiked dramatically. According to Google Trends data analyzed by India Today, queries like “Ashok Kharat viral video kaise dekhe” (How to see the viral video) and “ashok kharat viral mms download” have flooded the internet .
Monetizing Misery:
Investigative reports suggest that an online black market has sprung up on platforms like Telegram. Cyber intelligence units have found that some of the videos circulating are AI-generated or morphed, while others may be authentic evidence seized from Kharat’s devices. Sellers are reportedly charging between Rs 149 and Rs 699 for access to these caches .
However, authorities have issued a stern warning: even possession or circulation of AI-generated content related to the victims is a punishable offense .
Public Warning: “Delete, Don’t Share”
The SIT and local police have issued an unprecedented advisory to social media users, influencers, and media platforms.
Strict Directives:
- Do not share, forward, or store the explicit videos.
- Do not attempt to view the ashok kharat viral mms out of curiosity, as this constitutes secondary victimization.
- Immediately delete any such content if received .
SP Somnath Gharge emphasized the sensitivity of the case:
“We are taking extreme care to ensure that the identity of the victims is not disclosed at any stage. Any irresponsible sharing of such content will invite strict legal action. Cyber monitoring units are actively tracking social media activity.”
Political and Social Repercussions
The case has taken a political turn, with AIMIM leader Waris Pathan demanding a full inquiry, questioning “what the ruling dispensation was doing” while Kharat operated openly. The scandal has drawn parallels to the Jeffrey Epstein case, given Kharat’s proximity to influential figures .
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the assembly that the SIT is probing not just Kharat but also the possible involvement of government officials in shielding him. The investigation is being handled by a woman officer with a “good track record” to ensure sensitivity and justice for the survivors .
Conclusion:
As the manhunt for the third accused continues, the Ashok Kharat case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of digital voyeurism. While the police fight to secure justice for the survivors and stop the spread of the astrologer viral video, the public is urged to act responsibly—respecting the law and the dignity of the victims.
Disclaimer: This article aims to report on the investigation and legal proceedings. The intention is to highlight the misuse of digital platforms and the exploitation of survivors. We strongly condemn the sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII).