Mumbai/Nashik: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in a money laundering case, conducting coordinated raids across Maharashtra. The action, carried out simultaneously in Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi, has triggered widespread attention as investigators tighten scrutiny over an alleged multi-layered criminal and financial network.
Searches Across Three Cities
According to officials, the ED carried out searches at 11 locations, including five premises in Nashik, three in Pune, and three in Shirdi. The raided sites include residential properties linked to the accused and his associates, commercial establishments, and certain cooperative credit societies suspected of being used for routing illicit funds and facilitating fraudulent financial transactions.
The case is based on serious allegations of sexual exploitation, extortion, and large-scale financial fraud. Investigating agencies believe the matter goes beyond individual criminal acts and points towards an organised system involving financial manipulation and influence-based control over followers.
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Allegations of Exploitation and Fraud
Investigators said Ashok Kharat projected himself as a spiritual guru and “healer,” despite having previously worked in the merchant navy. Over time, he allegedly built a religious persona to gain trust and influence over followers, which, according to allegations, was later misused to carry out illegal activities.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused is facing allegations of sexually exploiting women by administering intoxicating substances or using psychological manipulation and control. In one complaint, a survivor has alleged repeated sexual assault over a period of three years. Another case involves serious accusations of assaulting a pregnant woman and forcing her into termination of pregnancy.
Benami Accounts and Money Trail Under Scrutiny
ED and police investigations have also indicated the existence of a structured financial network operated through benami bank accounts. These accounts were allegedly opened in the names of third parties but remained under the direct control of the accused. Officials believe mobile-linked operations were used to conceal actual transactions and beneficial ownership.
Authorities further allege that the accused collected large sums of money by selling ordinary items as “blessed” or spiritually empowered objects to followers at inflated prices. In addition, multiple complaints of extortion have emerged, where followers were allegedly pressured into paying money under coercion.
Wider Probe Continues
Investigators said the proceeds of crime were subsequently diverted into land deals, property investments, and other financial channels. The role of a chartered accountant, along with certain family members, is also under examination for allegedly assisting in routing and layering the illicit funds through multiple entities.
The Nashik police had earlier registered a case, which has now expanded into a wider multi-agency probe. Officials stated that as the investigation progresses, more victims are coming forward, raising the possibility of an increase in both the number of allegations and the estimated financial scale of the fraud.
The ED action is being viewed as one of the most significant cases involving a combination of spiritual influence, sexual exploitation, and financial crimes. Agencies are currently analysing digital records, banking transactions, and property documents to map the full extent of the alleged network.
Officials added that further revelations are expected in the coming days as investigators continue to trace money trails and identify additional individuals linked to the operation.
