Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat’s associate killed in Maharashtra road accident

Jitendra Shelke and his wife were killed in an accident while they were travelling from Maharashtra’s Sambhajinagar to Shirdi

Jitendra Shelke, a close associate of jailed self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, and his wife were killed in an accident while they were travelling from Maharashtra’s Sambhajinagar to Shirdi on Friday. He was the vice-president of Kharat’s Shivnika Trust, and under scrutiny of probe agencies.

Police said Jitendra Shelke’s car rammed into the rear of a parked container. (Shutterstock)

Police said Shelke’s car rammed into the rear of a parked container. The impact of the crash left the vehicle mangled. Shelke’s son was seriously injured in the accident. Preliminary probe suggested that Shelke may not have noticed the stationary container before the collision, leading to the crash.

Kharat, a numerologist and self-proclaimed cosmology expert, is accused of repeatedly raping and sexually exploiting women by claiming divine powers and using astrology as a facade. He was arrested on March 17.

Kharat built a following among political leaders, bureaucrats, celebrities, and businesspersons, who reportedly consulted him for guidance on personal and professional matters. Police have recovered multiple explicit videos from Kharat during the probe, which are now part of the evidence.