Maharashtra ANiS to Submit List of Fake Godmen to Police After Nashik Ashok Kharat Case
Pune, 24th March 2026: In the wake of the recent case involving alleged fake godman Ashok Kharat in Nashik, the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANiS) has decided to prepare and submit a list of suspected fraudulent ‘babas’ from across the state to the police. The organisation has also started a dedicated helpline to encourage citizens to report such individuals.
A delegation from the state executive committee, including Mukti Dabholkar, Rajiv Deshpande and Ganesh Chinchole, recently met Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date and submitted a memorandum raising concerns over the growing number of self-proclaimed godmen allegedly exploiting people.
According to ANiS, several victims already approach its volunteers with complaints about being misled or financially exploited by such individuals. The organisation plans to compile district-wise records of these cases and submit the information, along with supporting material wherever available, to the respective district police authorities for further action.
The memorandum also pointed out that government directives require the establishment of anti-superstition cells at every police station. However, ANiS claimed that in many places these cells exist only on paper and are not functioning effectively. The organisation has urged the police to activate these units and hold regular meetings so that cases related to superstition and fraudulent practices can be identified and addressed at an early stage.
The activists also expressed concern over the absence of detailed implementation rules for the anti-superstition legislation enacted in 2013 after the killing of Dr Narendra Dabholkar. They said that even after more than a decade, clear operational guidelines and defined responsibilities for enforcement have not been fully established. ANiS has called on the government to finalise these rules to strengthen action against fraudulent godmen and prevent incidents similar to the Ashok Kharat case.
The organisation said it will soon resubmit a draft of the proposed rules to the Social Justice Department and send a letter outlining its demands to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
ANiS also highlighted the increasing spread of superstition through social media platforms and stressed the need for stronger monitoring and public awareness.
Citizens can share information about suspected fraudulent godmen through the ANiS helpline numbers 9922048832 and 8087876809. For cases involving the exploitation of women, complaints can be reported on 9422305929. The organisation said it will verify the information received and share verified details with the police for appropriate action.
