The legal troubles of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat have deepened further after a fresh ₹1 crore cheating case was registered against him, taking the total number of FIRs in various fraud and abuse cases to 12. The latest complaint, filed by a Nashik-based onion trader, alleges a pattern of deception, financial exploitation and intimidation carried out over several years.
According to the complainant, the sequence of events dates back to 2019 when Kharat allegedly convinced him to enter into a land deal under the pretext of setting up an old-age home. The land, reportedly purchased for around ₹22.25 lakh despite having a market value exceeding ₹60 lakh, was never used for the stated purpose. Instead, it was allegedly transferred in the name of Kharat’s daughter, raising serious questions about the intent behind the transaction.
The complaint further claims that Kharat persuaded the trader to arrange nearly 30 labourers for agricultural work, promising timely payments. However, the wages were allegedly never paid, forcing the complainant to bear a loss of approximately ₹2.5 lakh. In another instance, the complainant alleged that he was misled into purchasing tamarind seeds worth ₹15,000 with assurances of high returns, which later turned out to be baseless.
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Escalating Financial Exploitation
The financial dealings between the two reportedly continued over the years. Between 2023 and 2025, the complainant claimed to have paid nearly ₹85 lakh in installments for another plot of land located on Pathardi–Gaulane Road in Nashik. Despite repeated follow-ups, the land ownership was never transferred, the complaint alleges, further intensifying suspicions of a deliberate fraud.
One of the most serious aspects of the complaint involves allegations of threats and coercion. The trader claimed that when he repeatedly demanded either the transfer of land or a refund, he was threatened with dire consequences, including harm to his business. He also alleged that he was warned of “negative spiritual effects” being used against him, suggesting the use of fear and superstition as tools of control.
Growing List of FIRs and Investigations
The latest case adds to a growing list of allegations against Kharat, who is already in custody in connection with a separate case involving allegations of rape and forced termination of pregnancy of a married woman. Investigations in that case are ongoing, with multiple angles, including financial transactions and abuse of influence, being examined.
Out of the 12 FIRs registered so far, 11 cases have been lodged at one police station, while another has been registered in the Shirdi area. Investigators are said to be examining similarities across complaints, many of which describe a consistent pattern—gaining trust through religious or social claims, encouraging financial investments, and later resorting to intimidation or deception.
Warnings on Faith-Based Exploitation
Observers note that such cases often remain underreported due to social stigma and fear among victims, particularly when the accused holds influence in religious or community circles. The emergence of multiple complaints in this case suggests that more victims may have been affected than initially believed.
Experts stress that early reporting, proper documentation of financial transactions, and awareness about fraudulent schemes are critical in preventing such crimes. They also point out the need for stricter scrutiny of individuals operating under the guise of spiritual or charitable work.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to examine the money trail and identify any wider network or accomplices involved. The rising number of complaints has already indicated that the case may extend beyond isolated incidents.
For now, the matter remains under active investigation. The outcome will depend on the evidence gathered and testimonies recorded, but the case has already drawn attention to the risks associated with blind faith and unverified financial dealings.
