Enforcement Directorate Raids 11 Locations Linked to Ashok Kharat in Maharashtra
ED conducts searches at 11 locations linked to accused godman Ashok Kharat
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 11 locations in Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune, Maharashtra, targeting self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. This action is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation following Kharat's arrest for alleged sexual abuse and fraud involving extortion of ₹4-5 crore (approximately $480,000 USD) from a businessman.
- 01ED's searches are part of a money laundering investigation against Ashok Kharat.
- 02Kharat is accused of extorting ₹4-5 crore from a businessman and coercing him to transfer ownership of a luxury car.
- 03The investigation revealed Kharat's control over multiple accounts at cooperative credit societies.
- 04Kharat allegedly sold overpriced items to followers, claiming they had divine powers.
- 05Thirteen cases have been registered against Kharat, including several for cheating.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 11 locations in three cities of Maharashtra—Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune—linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. Kharat was arrested by Nashik police last month for allegedly sexually abusing multiple women and defrauding businessmen and farmers. The ED's investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Nashik police regarding Kharat extorting ₹4-5 crore (approximately $480,000 USD) from a businessman between 2018 and 2019. The businessman claimed that Kharat also coerced him into transferring a luxury car worth ₹90 lakh (roughly $108,000 USD). The ED’s preliminary probe indicates that Kharat controlled various accounts at two cooperative credit societies in Nashik, despite them being held in others' names. He allegedly sold items to his followers at inflated prices, asserting they were blessed and had healing properties. Kharat is currently in judicial custody until April 14, and the ED's investigation may uncover more illegal activities, as thirteen cases have already been filed against him, including multiple cheating allegations.
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The investigation could lead to the exposure of more fraudulent activities, affecting victims who were manipulated by Kharat.
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