ED Targets Kharat’s Properties Across Nashik, Pune, Shirdi
“The searches were carried out under Section 17 of the PMLA”: Officials
MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple properties linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who faces several cases of rape and extortion. The raids began in the morning and covered five locations in Nashik, three in Pune and three in Shirdi under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Officials said residential and commercial premises associated with Kharat, his chartered accountant Prakash Pophale, his relatives, and certain cooperative credit societies are under scrutiny. “The searches were carried out under Section 17 of the PMLA,” an official said.
Investigators suspect that Kharat operated multiple bank accounts in the names of third parties through two Nashik-based cooperative credit societies, while retaining control as nominee. His mobile number was allegedly linked to these accounts. Funds collected through alleged extortion were reportedly routed into land investments via his chartered accountant and associates.
The ED registered the case based on an extortion FIR filed in Nashik, in which a real estate businessman alleged he was coerced into paying around ₹5 crore between 2018 and 2019. The complainant also claimed he was forced to transfer ownership of a luxury car to Kharat. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said the ED had taken cognisance of the matter.
Separately, a Nashik court on Monday remanded Kharat to judicial custody till April 20 in a rape case. He was produced via video conference before the court after his police custody ended.
In the case, Kharat is accused of sexually exploiting a seven-month pregnant woman, the wife of one of his staff members, between November 2023 and December 2025. The complaint alleges repeated assaults, including at his office in Nashik, and a ritual conducted at a temple in Mirgaon village in Sinnar taluka.
According to the complainant, the survivor initially informed her husband, who did not believe her. He later installed a spy camera in Kharat’s office after learning of similar allegations by other women and submitted video evidence to the police.
Kharat, who claimed to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and was known as “Captain”, was arrested on March 18 following a complaint by a 35-year-old woman who alleged repeated sexual assault over three years. She told police that he lured her on the pretext of performing rituals, administered a sedative-laced drink and raped her, and later blackmailed her.
Subsequently, six more women have filed complaints against Kharat. Police officials said the number of victims could be significantly higher, but many are reluctant to come forward.
