Nashik Police Register FIR Against Godman Kakde Amid Ongoing Cases Against Ashok Kharat
2 hours agoCrime
51LENS
8 SourcesDharangaon, India
TBNthebalanced.news

Nashik Police Register FIR Against Godman Kakde Amid Ongoing Cases Against Ashok Kharat

In Nashik, Maharashtra, police registered an FIR against Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Dilip Kakde, a self-proclaimed godman, following allegations by a 28-year-old woman of sexual exploitation in 2024. The woman, reportedly taken to Kakde by her parents for personal issues, accused him of coercion, obscene messaging, and threats involving claims of divine powers. The case was filed after activists from the anti-superstition Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti supported her. Separately, Ashok Kharat, another self-styled godman, remains in police custody facing multiple sexual assault and financial fraud charges, with ongoing investigations into several cases.

Political Bias
52%47%1%
Sentiment
25%
AI analysis of 5 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 24 Apr 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 8 sources
● Left 52%● Center 47%● Right 1%

The article group presents perspectives primarily from law enforcement and anti-superstition activists, focusing on allegations against two self-styled godmen. Coverage includes official police statements and victim accounts without political commentary. The sources emphasize legal processes and victim support, reflecting a law-and-order framing rather than political or ideological viewpoints.

Sentiment — Negative (25/100)

The overall tone across the articles is serious and factual, highlighting allegations of sexual exploitation and legal actions without sensationalism. While the subject matter is negative due to the nature of the crimes, the reporting maintains a neutral and professional tone, focusing on investigation developments and victim support rather than emotive language.

How 5 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
thehinduAnother 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, bookedLeftNegative
theprintAnother 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, bookedLeftNegative
hindustantimesAnother 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, bookedLeftNegative
hindustantimesAnother Nashik 'godman' accused of rape, threatened woman with 'divine power'; case filedLeftNegative
theprintAnother 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, FIR registeredLeftNegative

Coverage timeline

theprint broke this story on 23 Apr, 05:26 pm. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    theprint23 Apr, 05:26 pm
    Another 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, FIR registered
  2. 2
    hindustantimes23 Apr, 07:12 pm
    Another Nashik 'godman' accused of rape, threatened woman with 'divine power'; case filed
  3. 3
    hindustantimes24 Apr, 03:14 am
    Another 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, booked
  4. 4
    theprint24 Apr, 03:22 am
    Another 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, booked
  5. 5
    thehindu24 Apr, 05:12 am
    Another 'godman' in Nashik faces allegations of sexual exploitation, booked

Lens Score breakdown

51/100
Public interest32/100
Coverage gap100%

Moderately important story that could benefit from broader coverage.

Accountability flags

TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.

  • abuse of power

    This story involves alleged misuse of official authority or institutional position to achieve personal or political ends.

  • cover up attempted

    This story involves evidence of information being withheld, records altered, or facts suppressed by the parties involved.

  • rights violation

    This story involves alleged violations of constitutional or human rights — freedom of expression, due process, custodial rights, minority rights.

  • sexual misconduct

    This story involves allegations of sexual harassment, assault, or exploitation.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Government
Maharashtra Police
Enforcement
Lasalgaon Police Station
Religious
Prati Gangapur Mutt

Story context

Category
Crime
Location
Dharangaon, India
Sources analysed
8
Last analysed
24 Apr 2026
Key entities
NashikRapeRitualBlack magicMaharashtraPress Trust of IndiaTehsilTempleSinnarDharangaonGangapur, MaharashtraLasalgaon