Mahesh Aher, a suspended Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra, India, was arrested by Kolhapur Police after being absconding since April 20. He faces serious allegations of sexual exploitation against a female civic staffer, who claimed that Aher misused his position to coerce her into sexual acts from 2020 to 2023. The victim reported that Aher initially assaulted her under the pretext of discussing housing arrangements, later using recorded footage to blackmail her. Investigations revealed that Aher took the victim to the ashram of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in Nashik, where alleged aghori rituals were performed. Following a significant police operation involving over 200 personnel, Aher was apprehended at Annapurna Hotel. He has been remanded to police custody for further investigation, as authorities look into the nature of his connections with Kharat and the rituals performed.