Pune: Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) has floated three helpline numbers to assist victims of people like Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat, arrested on charges of exploiting women and cheating some of his followers.A delegation of MANS recently met the director-general of police (DGP) Sadanand Date after the case related to Kharat came to light. Its members demanded the DGP to ensure impartial investigation of the cases related to Kharat and take proactive measures to prevent such crimes.Following the meeting, the MANS floated three helpline numbers and appealed to people across the state to approach them in case they were victimised in a similar manner. Nandini Jadhav, state executive committee member of MANS, told TOI, “Soon after the helpline numbers were activated, we started getting calls from various districts of the state. Within three days, we have received close to 50 calls. Callers shared their experience of getting exploited by different people under the pretext of performing some rituals.“While more cases are being registered against Kharat, MANS appealed to people to expose other conmen. “Our organisation is helping the police in exposing such conmen. Therefore, we are appealing to people to approach us through the helpline. We will help the genuine callers in drafting complaint applications as per legal requirements. Those applications will be submitted to the DGP’s office for necessary action,” Jadhav said.She complained that the police were not being proactive in helping people cheated by fraudsters like Kharat. Jadhav said, “Many police personnel are not aware of the provisions of the act against black magic. In many cases, our members have struggled in helping complainants in filing cases. We have requested the DGP to sensitise the police department to be more sensitive and proactive in reacting to such cases, where victims are traumatised..”
