The 66.15-km Nashik Ring Road (Parikrama Marg), a key infrastructure project planned for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, has come under the spotlight after it was revealed that arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat had allegedly purchased land along the proposed route well in advance.
The ring road, which will pass through 25 villages, requires around 366 hectares of land, most of it privately owned. Authorities believe the project will significantly increase land prices in the surrounding areas. Amid this, suspicions have been raised that Kharat may have received prior information about the route from government officials.
Investigations have revealed that Kharat had already acquired nearly 9 acres of land in the Pathardi area. Overall, he is said to have amassed close to 30 acres of land across the Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.
Kharat, who projected himself as an astrologer, soothsayer, and numerologist, is currently under arrest in a sexual assault case. His alleged crimes appear extensive, with multiple cases now surfacing.
However, a third FIR has been registered against him at the Sarkarwada police station. According to the complainant, Kharat lured her with promises of marriage and established physical relations.
The victim alleged that she had approached him for guidance during marital disputes, during which he exploited her vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in Nagpur, said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the case. He warned against politicising the issue and questioned those who allegedly facilitated the provision of resources, including a water supply from 40 km away, to Kharat’s institution. “This is a matter concerning the dignity of women. No one will be spared, and the accused will have to face strict punishment,” Fadnavis said.
