Thane Municipal Corporation Official Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Civic Staffer
Thane Municipal Corporation officer with connection to Ashok Kharat arrested in sexual exploitation case
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Mahesh Aher, a suspended Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra, India, was arrested by Kolhapur Police for allegedly sexually exploiting a female staff member over several years. The case involves claims of coercion, blackmail, and connections to controversial figure Ashok Kharat.
- 01Mahesh Aher was arrested after being on the run since April 20.
- 02He is accused of sexually exploiting a female civic staffer from 2020 to 2023.
- 03The allegations include coercion, blackmail, and performing rituals at Ashok Kharat's ashram.
- 04Over 200 police personnel participated in the operation that led to Aher's arrest.
- 05Aher has been remanded to police custody for further investigation.
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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.
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This case raises significant concerns regarding the safety and treatment of female employees in municipal corporations, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and protective measures.
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