{
  "id": 7794595,
  "title": "Nashik: Six Months After Ashok Kharat Case, 100+ Fake Godman Cases Registered Across Maharashtra",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/nashik-six-months-after-ashok-kharat-case-100-fake-godman-cases",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T12:32:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-six-months-after-ashok-kharat-case-100-fake-godman-cases-registered-across-maharashtra"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On June 26, 2022, six months have passed since the controversial Ashok Kharat case created a major stir across Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) has registered over 100 cases against fake godmen in this period. Many of these cases involve allegations of sexual exploitation against women. The growing number of such cases has sparked discussions about the influence of fraudulent spiritual practitioners in the state. In response to the Kharat case, MANS organized anti-superstition and anti-fake-godman conferences across Maharashtra. Victims, either coming forward on their own or through MANS' efforts, have shared stories of physical and sexual exploitation, as well as financial fraud. They were allegedly lured with promises of removing black magic, performing occult rituals and resolving personal problems. Due to fear, social pressure and reputation concerns, many victims were initially reluctant to come forward. Since the Kharat case, more women have gained the courage to fight for justice, thanks to MANS' support. The organisation, founded by rationalist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, has been campaigning against superstition and fraud for 18 years. Despite the existence of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication Act since 2013, MANS claims its implementation remains inadequate. They have appealed to the government to quickly frame the necessary rules and appoint designated officers at every police station. Nashik and Pune districts have the highest number of such cases registered during this six-month period.",
  "summary": "Nashik: The controversial Ashok Kharat case, which created a major stir across Maharashtra, completes six months today (Thursday). The issue of fake godmen and superstition in Maharashtra has come to the forefront through the efforts of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS). In the past six months, police have registered more than 100 cases against fake godmen across the state. In…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}