The investigation into self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has exposed a well-organized financial network that allegedly turned religious faith into a tool for large-scale fraud. According to investigators, nearly ₹63 crore was routed through more than 130 fake bank accounts, most of which were opened without the knowledge or consent of the actual account holders. The case is now emerging as a major, systematically executed economic crime.
Investigators say that Ashok Kharat used his influence and public image to build an extensive network. The operation was primarily run through cooperative credit societies—Jagdamba Society and Samata Society—where the accused and his associates reportedly held key positions. By misusing their authority, a large number of accounts were opened and used for suspicious financial transactions.
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Faith Exploited for Document Collection
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused gained people’s trust by offering spiritual guidance and solutions to personal problems. In the process, he collected documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and photographs from followers. These documents were then allegedly misused to open bank accounts in their names without their knowledge. Several victims have stated that they became aware of these accounts only after being contacted by investigators.
The seriousness of the scam came to light when a Mumbai-based hotel businessman discovered that accounts had been opened in his and his wife’s names without their knowledge. Around ₹2.43 crore was routed through these accounts. It has been revealed that the documents submitted by the businessman for a religious booking were used in the fraudulent operation. Investigators suspect that many more individuals may have been targeted in a similar manner.
130 Accounts, 13 Cases, Ongoing Probe
Authorities have identified a clear modus operandi in the case. The accused would first win people’s trust, then collect their documents, and subsequently open multiple accounts in their names across different credit societies. In several cases, the accused’s name and mobile number were listed as nominees in these accounts, directly linking him to the transactions. His associate, Arvind Pandurang Bawke, linked to Samata Society, is also under investigation for his alleged role in facilitating the financial operations.
Financial analysis indicates that the network was most active between 2021 and 2024. During this period, a large number of accounts were opened in a short span. Of the 130 accounts identified so far, around 100 are linked to Samata Society, while the remaining are associated with Jagdamba Society. In multiple instances, more than one account was opened in the name of a single individual, pointing to deliberate and repeated misuse of identities.
However, the case extends beyond financial irregularities. It initially surfaced following allegations of sexual exploitation, after objectionable videos allegedly linked to the accused went viral on social media. This led to his arrest and expanded the scope of the investigation. Charges including cheating, extortion, and other criminal offenses have since been added, with a total of 13 cases registered so far.
Investigators have recorded statements from around 20 account holders, all of whom have denied any knowledge of the accounts. A forensic audit is currently underway to trace the complete flow of funds and identify additional beneficiaries or accomplices involved in the network.
The investigation against Ashok Kharat, his wife, and co-accused Arvind Bawke is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that the case is not limited to an individual but may be part of a larger, organized financial crime network that operated for years under the cover of religious faith.
