New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) before a special court against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, his wife Kalpana Kharat, and four others in an alleged money laundering case linked to a suspected ₹70 crore fraud. Kharat, who allegedly operated under the aliases “Captain” and “Bondhu Baba,” was arrested on May 19 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and remains in judicial custody.
According to the ED, assets worth approximately ₹37 crore have so far been attached, seized or frozen during the investigation. These include immovable properties valued at around ₹19 crore and other assets worth approximately ₹18 crore, including bank lockers, vehicles and other valuables recovered during searches conducted in April and May at locations linked to Kharat and his associates.
The money laundering investigation was initiated on the basis of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered at the Sarkar Wada, Shirdi, Sinnar and Rahata police stations in Maharashtra. The ED has alleged that Kharat exploited the religious faith of devotees by persuading them to hand over money and property in the name of special rituals, curing illnesses, removing misfortune and improving business prospects. According to the agency, these activities constitute alleged offences including cheating, extortion and criminal intimidation.
The ED further alleged that Kharat falsely projected himself as a divine figure and claimed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva in order to gain the trust of followers and obtain unlawful financial benefits. Investigators believe the proceeds generated through these alleged activities were subsequently laundered through various financial channels.
According to the agency, the proceeds of crime were allegedly routed through two cooperative credit societies, with the assistance of an employee who allegedly facilitated the operation of multiple bank accounts. Investigators also suspect that funds were channelled through benami accounts using substantial cash deposits, withdrawals and investment maturity proceeds in an attempt to conceal the origin of the money.
The ED has further alleged that the funds were used to acquire properties in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Pune and Mumbai in the names of Kharat’s family members and close associates. The agency is continuing to examine the ownership of these assets and trace the movement of funds linked to the alleged offences.
Before his arrest by the ED, Ashok Kharat was arrested by the Nashik Police on March 18 following a complaint filed by a married woman, who accused him of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years. That criminal case continues to be investigated separately by the state police.
The Enforcement Directorate said the money laundering investigation remains ongoing. The agency added that if additional documentary or financial evidence emerges during the course of the probe, further legal action may be initiated. Investigators are continuing efforts to trace the proceeds of crime, identify the complete financial network and determine the role of all individuals allegedly involved in the case.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
