The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant operation against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, by executing searches at 11 locations across Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune in Maharashtra. This action is part of a broader investigation into money laundering and financial fraud, following Kharat's arrest by Nashik police last month. He is accused of extorting between ₹4-5 crore (approximately $480,000 USD) from a businessman in the real estate sector between 2018 and 2019. Additionally, Kharat allegedly coerced the businessman into transferring ownership of a luxury car valued at ₹90 lakh (approximately $108,000 USD). The ED's investigation, which is based on a first information report (FIR) filed by the businessman, has revealed multiple bogus bank accounts associated with Kharat. Currently, Kharat is in judicial custody and faces at least 12 cases filed against him, including several cheating allegations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the ED is committed to uncovering all illegal activities linked to Kharat.