Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat to Appear in Mumbai Court Amid Money Laundering Allegations
Kharat to be produced before Mumbai court on May 18
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, will be produced before a Mumbai court on May 18 following a warrant issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case. Kharat, currently in Nashik jail, faces allegations of extorting over ₹70 crore (approximately $8.4 million USD) from victims across Maharashtra.
- 01Ashok Kharat is set to appear in court on May 18 due to a money-laundering case.
- 02The Enforcement Directorate alleges he extorted over ₹70 crore from victims.
- 03Kharat has been in custody since March following multiple sexual assault complaints.
- 04He reportedly opened 60 bank accounts linked to his victims without consent.
- 05The ED is investigating real estate investments tied to the proceeds of crime.
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Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, will be presented before a Mumbai court on May 18 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a warrant for his appearance in a money-laundering case. Kharat, who has been in custody since March due to multiple sexual assault allegations, is currently held in Nashik jail. The ED claims that Kharat extorted over ₹70 crore (approximately $8.4 million USD) from victims across Maharashtra through religious manipulation. The agency's plea highlights that Kharat opened 60 bank accounts using documents from his victims without their consent, with significant transactions observed. The ED is also investigating real estate investments linked to the funds collected from victims. Kharat's appearance in court will allow the ED to formally arrest him and seek custody for further investigation.
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The case highlights issues of financial fraud and exploitation within religious communities, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of similar organizations.
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