The recent arrest of Ashok Kharat, a self-styled ‘godman’ accused of rape, blackmail and occult manipulation, has rightly horrified Maharashtra. Yet to view this as the story of a lone predator is to miss the larger, more uncomfortable truth. Men like Kharat do not rise in isolation. They are legitimised and ultimately shielded by networks of influence that extend deep into the state’s political and social elite. The investigation, now in the hands of a Special Investigation

‘Pami Guru’ wows followers with MPs and police at darbar Kalyan: Following the high-profile Ashok Kharat case in Nashik, the emergence of the ‘Pami Guru’ scandal in Kalyan has sent shockwaves across the state. Allegations of blind faith, financial exploitation, and potential political-police collusion have intensified public concern. Viral videos circulating on social media show the self-styled transgender spiritual leader, known as ‘Pami Guru,’ flaunting a luxurious life

Mumbai: A belligerent Opposition and women activists on Saturday intensified their demand for criminal action against NCP State Women’s Wing President Rupali Chakankar, urging that she be booked as a co-accused alongside self-styled godman ‘Captain’ Ashok Kharat. Under fire, Chakankar resigned late Friday night as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women – enjoying a Minister of State rank - on the orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. She submitted her