Lalit Pophale, a chartered accountant, has lodged a cheating complaint against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman from Nashik, Maharashtra, alleging that Kharat defrauded him of ₹8.76 crore (approximately $1.05 million USD) over time. Pophale claims that Kharat took the money under the guise of conducting religious rituals and ceremonies. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered the complaint and is investigating the alleged financial misconduct. Pophale was made a trustee of Kharat's Shivnika organization, which required a chartered accountant's involvement. The complaint suggests that Kharat exploited this relationship to carry out his fraudulent activities, impacting not only Pophale but also other associates. Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer, was arrested on March 17 following allegations of sexual assault from a woman, leading to the discovery of incriminating videos during the investigation. The controversy has also affected local politics, with NCP leader Rupali Chakankar resigning from her position amid the scandal.