“Shouldn’t We Clean the Filth at Our Own Doorstep?”: Sonalee Kulkarni’s Angry Post Regarding Fraudulent Godman Ashok Kharat

Actress Sonalee Kulkarni has shared a powerful post on Facebook regarding the case of the self-proclaimed “godman” Ashok Kharat. In her post, she questions whether people will continue to play the victim card by asking why only superstitions within their own religion are highlighted.

The case against Ashok Kharat, who faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment, is currently being probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). So far, 10 FIRs have been registered against him at the Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik—eight related to sexual harassment and exploitation, and two involving financial fraud. The severity of the case is evident from the fact that the SIT has received over 100 telephonic complaints against Kharat to date.

Expressing her intense outrage, Sonalee Kulkarni wrote:

“It is high time we understand the difference between faith and superstition. Heinous atrocities against women, sexual exploitation, financial fraud, debauchery, emotional abuse, hypocrisy… how infuriating and exploitative this is. Are we still going to ask, ‘Why do you only see the superstition in our religion?’ Shouldn’t we clean the filth lying at our own doorstep? Or is it a case of ‘my filth is sacred, but yours is a stench’? This is happening right here in Maharashtra, all around us. We are being swindled… let’s wake up.”

Ashok Kharat, who claimed to possess divine powers to exploit women, is currently in custody. Following his arrest, police seized 58 mysterious videos, leading to suspicions of involvement by high-profile figures and political leaders.

Previously, actor Atul Kulkarni also shared a thought-provoking post on the matter, questioning the mindset of followers. He asked:

“Are they only ‘fraudulent’ once they get caught? What are they before that? And what about those who are never caught? When a ‘Maharaj’ is exposed as a fraud, who exactly do his followers become? Partners, victims, the blind, the superstitious, the ill-fated, the naive, the fools, or something else? Does this apply as much to religion (of any faith) as it does to politics (of any party)?”