Enforcement Directorate Conducts Searches Linked to Arrested Godman Ashok Kharat
ED searches office premises of arrested ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched the office of Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman arrested in March for serious charges, including rape and extortion. The operation is part of a broader investigation into money laundering, with significant assets seized, including ₹2.4 crore in frozen funds and a luxury vehicle.
- 01ED conducted searches at Ashok Kharat's office in Nashik as part of a money laundering investigation.
- 02Kharat faces multiple serious charges, including rape, extortion, and promoting superstition.
- 03The ED seized assets worth ₹2.4 crore and ₹42 lakh in cash during the investigation.
- 04Kharat allegedly extorted ₹4-5 crore from a businessman and sold items at inflated prices to followers.
- 05Thirteen cases have been registered against Kharat, highlighting a pattern of manipulation and fraud.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search at the office of Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman arrested in March 2023 on serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and money laundering. The search, part of a broader investigation, follows earlier operations at 11 locations linked to Kharat across Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi, resulting in the freezing of ₹2.4 crore in bank funds and the seizure of ₹42 lakh in unaccounted cash. Investigators are examining how Kharat allegedly used the proceeds of crime, including extorting ₹4-5 crore from a businessman between 2018 and 2019. Kharat is also accused of selling ordinary items to his followers at inflated prices, claiming they were blessed. A total of thirteen cases have been registered against him, reflecting a concerning pattern of manipulation and fraud.
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The investigation into Ashok Kharat may lead to increased scrutiny of self-styled religious leaders and their financial practices, affecting their followers and the local community.
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