A major alleged spiritual and financial scandal emerging from Nashik has shaken investigative agencies, as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues to widen its probe into what is now seen as a multi-layered case involving fraud, sexual exploitation allegations and large-scale money laundering. The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The central accused in the case is Ashok Kharat, also known as “Bhondu Baba,” a self-styled spiritual figure who has already been arrested by Nashik Police and remains in judicial custody. Officials said he is facing multiple criminal cases, and the number of allegations against him has been steadily increasing. A local court has also extended his custody as investigations deepen.
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According to investigators, the case originated from a complaint filed at the Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik, where victims alleged that the accused exploited them under the guise of spiritual guidance and religious influence. As the probe progressed, more serious allegations emerged, including claims of repeated sexual assault on a woman between 2022 and December 2025. Authorities also stated that intimidation tactics were allegedly used to silence the survivor for years.
The ED’s preliminary findings suggest that the accused operated multiple bank accounts through cooperative credit societies in Nashik, allegedly opened in the names of third parties. However, investigators believe the actual control of these accounts remained with the accused, who reportedly operated them using his registered mobile number. The agency has described these as “bogus accounts” used to channel illicit funds and obscure financial trails.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the case involves allegations that the accused sold ordinary household items by falsely marketing them as spiritually “blessed goods” with supposed healing and supernatural powers. Victims were allegedly convinced through emotional manipulation and religious influence, leading to significant financial exploitation.
Officials stated that the funds collected through these activities were later diverted into property investments and land transactions. The ED has identified the involvement of intermediaries, including a chartered accountant and members of the accused’s family, who allegedly helped route and layer the proceeds of crime. The agency is now tracing these transactions to determine the total value of assets acquired through illegal means.
Investigators also suspect that the accused used his position as chairman of a temple trust in Sinnar to strengthen his public image and expand his influence among devotees. This position allegedly helped him gain credibility and access to individuals who later became targets of the scheme.
Search operations conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA have already led to the seizure of critical financial records, documents, and digital evidence. Officials said these materials are being examined to reconstruct the complete financial trail, including bank transactions, property acquisitions, and digital fund movements.
The ED has indicated that more individuals may be summoned for questioning as new evidence emerges. Officials believe the network may have operated across multiple layers, involving facilitators and financial handlers who helped sustain the alleged operations over several years.
Legal experts note that the case highlights a growing trend where religious or spiritual trust is allegedly exploited for financial crimes. Emotional manipulation, fear, and blind faith often become tools that enable such fraudulent systems to operate undetected for extended periods.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not ruled out further arrests or additional revelations. The ED is expected to expand its probe into related financial networks and potential interstate connections. Officials emphasized that the case remains active and ongoing, with more disclosures likely as forensic and financial analysis progresses.
