MoneyLaundering – ED Seeks Custody of Self-Styled Godman in Mumbai Court
MoneyLaundering – The Enforcement Directorate has approached a special court in Mumbai seeking custody of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman already facing multiple criminal charges, including rape and fraud. The agency has filed an application for a production warrant under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, aiming to bring him before the court for further interrogation.
ED Registers Money Laundering Case
The central agency initiated its probe on April 6 after taking note of a First Information Report registered by Nashik police. The complaint accuses Kharat of extortion, misuse of religious influence, and sexually exploiting women, allegedly using intoxicating substances. Authorities believe the financial aspect of the case is extensive and requires deeper scrutiny.
Court Hearing and Custody Status
The special PMLA court is scheduled to hear the Enforcement Directorate’s plea on Saturday. At present, Kharat remains in police custody in Nashik, where he has been booked in several cases involving sexual exploitation. Investigators are expected to request his custody once he is formally presented before the Mumbai court.
Arrest and Ongoing Criminal Cases
Kharat was first arrested on March 18 following a complaint by a married woman who alleged repeated sexual assault over a period of three years. Since then, multiple FIRs have been filed against him. In a separate case, a Nashik court recently extended his police custody until May 4 for allegedly cheating a businessman from Pune of over Rs 5 crore.
Allegations of Large-Scale Financial Fraud
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Kharat is suspected of running a large extortion network and laundering more than Rs 70 crore. Investigators claim the funds were routed through numerous bank accounts held under different names, often without the knowledge of the individuals in whose names the accounts were opened.
The agency defines such accounts as “benami,” where the account holder is different from the actual owner of the funds. These accounts are often used to conceal financial transactions and obscure ownership trails.
Use of Multiple Bank Accounts
Preliminary findings suggest that Kharat opened around 60 bank accounts in a single day at a cooperative credit society in Ahilyanagar district. These accounts were allegedly created using documents of victims without their consent. The ED claims that transactions exceeding Rs 70 crore were carried out through these accounts.
Property Acquisitions Under Investigation
Officials have also identified several movable and immovable assets linked to Kharat. These properties are reportedly registered in his name as well as in the names of his relatives. The agency suspects that these assets were acquired using funds obtained through illegal means, including extortion and fraudulent activities.
Exploitation Through Religious Claims
Investigators allege that Kharat used claims of divine powers and knowledge of black magic to manipulate victims. He is accused of selling ordinary items, such as tamarind seeds and honey, by presenting them as spiritually blessed products. These items were reportedly sold at inflated prices to unsuspecting followers.
SIT Expands Probe into Multiple Cases
A Special Investigation Team is currently examining several cases linked to Kharat across Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. The SIT has registered multiple offences, including sexual exploitation and financial fraud. Recently, it filed an application seeking custody of Kharat in connection with a cheating case, marking the ninth registered offence against him.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing in at least 12 cases involving allegations of financial misconduct and abuse. Officials believe that further interrogation may reveal a broader network and additional victims.
The Enforcement Directorate has emphasized that custody is necessary to trace the money trail, identify beneficiaries, and examine whether the alleged financial transactions extend beyond national borders.