{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "ED Seizes Assets Worth Over 36 Crore In Fraud Case Linked To Self-Styled Godman",
  "summary": "The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against Ashok Kumar Eknath Kharat, who allegedly posed as a deity to swindle devotees. Assets totaling over 36 crore linked to money laundering have been attached or frozen.",
  "content": "In a significant crackdown on money laundering, the Mumbai Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a formal prosecution complaint in a special PMLA court in Mumbai. The charges are leveled against Ashok Kumar Eknath Kharat, his wife Kalpana Kharat, and four other associates. This action follows an extensive investigation into allegations that the accused exploited religious sentiments to extort vast sums of money from followers before funneling the illicit proceeds through various channels.\n\nExtensive Attachment of Assets\nOn July 15, the ED invoked Section 5 of the PMLA to provisionally attach immovable properties valued at approximately 19.20 crore, which were held in the names of Ashok Kumar Kharat—also known as 'Captain' or 'Bandhu Baba'—and his family members. \n\nThis latest move builds upon earlier enforcement actions. Between April and May 2026, the agency conducted raids under Section 17 of the PMLA, targeting various premises, bank lockers, and vehicles linked to the accused and his accomplices. Those initial operations resulted in the seizure or freezing of assets worth approximately 17.70 crore. Combined, the total value of assets attached, seized, or frozen by the agency in this ongoing case now stands at approximately 36.90 crore.\n\nModus Operandi of the Fraud\nThe investigation originated from multiple FIRs filed at police stations across Maharashtra, including those in Sarkar Wada, Shirdi, Sinnar, and Rahata. The evidence gathered by the agency suggests that Ashok Kumar Eknath Kharat preyed upon the faith and religious vulnerability of the public. He allegedly convinced devotees that he was an avatar of Lord Shiva, endowed with divine powers, and offered services ranging from 'Avatar Puja' and curing serious illnesses to removing misfortunes and ensuring success in business and life.\n\nAccording to the investigating agency, the accused employed methods including extortion, fraud, and criminal intimidation to accumulate wealth, which was subsequently integrated into the financial system through money laundering techniques.\n\nThe Web of Money Laundering\nInvestigators discovered that Kharat utilized two cooperative credit societies to camouflage the proceeds of his crimes. With the complicity of an employee, these entities were used to operate multiple bank accounts fraudulently. The probe further revealed that numerous 'benami' accounts were utilized to deposit and subsequently withdraw large amounts of cash, including funds acquired from the maturity of various investments.\n\nThe illicit funds were kept with trusted associates before being reinvested into immovable properties across Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Pune, and Mumbai, all purchased in the names of family members. The agency maintains that this systematic process was designed to obscure the original source of the funds and present them as legitimate investments.\n\nCurrent Status of the Accused\nFollowing the progress in the investigation, the ED arrested Ashok Kumar Eknath Kharat on May 19 under Section 19 of the PMLA. He has since been in judicial custody. The agency continues to probe the network to identify additional individuals and assets linked to the illicit operations.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Exercise caution before providing significant sums of money to any unknown individual or self-styled spiritual leader in the name of faith. In Maharashtra: Residents of Shirdi, Nashik, and Ahmednagar should be particularly vigilant against fraudulent financial schemes or individuals claiming divine powers to avoid losing hard-earned savings.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What are the charges against Ashok Kumar Kharat?\nKharat is accused of exploiting religious faith, extorting money from devotees under false pretenses, fraud, and laundering the proceeds of his crimes.\n\n2. How much property has the ED seized so far?\nThe ED has attached, seized, or frozen assets totaling approximately 36.90 crore in this case.\n\n3. What did the accused claim to be?\nHe claimed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva who was endowed with divine powers.\n\n4. Where is Ashok Kumar Kharat currently?\nHe was arrested on May 19 and is currently in judicial custody.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/maharashtra/dharmika-astha-ke-nama-para-karoron-ki-thagi-pravartana-nideshalaya-ne-36-karora-se-jyada-ki-snpattiyan-ki-kurka-8693",
  "category": "Maharashtra",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-19",
  "tags": [
    "Enforcement Directorate",
    "Ashok Kumar Kharat",
    "Money Laundering",
    "Maharashtra",
    "Fraud",
    "Shirdi"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}