Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA Amol Mitkari on Friday said that it must be investigated whether arrested godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat or his associates allegedly performed black magic or Aghori rituals targeting late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
A similar demand has also been raised by NCP spokesperson Sunil Mane.
“Look at these dates carefully—November 18, 19, and 20, 2025. These days coincided with Shivratri and Amavasya. During this period, a type of Aghori puja was allegedly performed on Bhigwan Road in the Sahyog Society area (residence of the late Ajit Pawar),” Mitkari said, adding that certain objects related to black magic were reportedly recovered from the area.
“It appears that such rituals were performed in this ashram at the behest of some devotees to gain political benefits. Ajit Pawar never believed in such practices. However, Ashok Kharat’s links to VSR Ventures have come to light, and I had even posted about it on X,” he added.
Mitkari further questioned the circumstances surrounding Pawar’s travel plans.
“Why did Ajit Pawar, who was scheduled to travel to Pune by car on January 27, decide to fly on the morning of January 28 in an aircraft operated by VSR Ventures? Who was the devotee of Ashok Kharat involved in this? If the call data records of Kharat and his associates from November 16 to January 31 are examined, the full picture will emerge regarding the alleged conspiracy and the motives behind these rituals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunil Mane also urged the police to investigate Kharat for allegedly engaging in black magic targeting Pawar.
“We have received information that witchcraft and black magic rituals were performed outside Ajit Pawar’s residence at the behest of certain individuals. It is suspected that Ashok Kharat, who is an accused in a Nashik case, may be linked to this,” Mane told reporters.
“It can be said that Kharat allegedly practised such rituals at the behest of some political figures seeking power. Based on the information available so far, there appears to be some level of involvement. Therefore, the police should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” he added.