Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already accused of rape, is now being investigated for a massive financial scam involving over 130 accounts and transactions worth Rs 63 crore in Maharashtra.
Key Points
- Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities involving Rs 63 crore.
- Kharat opened over 130 accounts in cooperative credit societies under different names, raising suspicions of money laundering.
- The Enforcement Directorate is likely to join the investigation into Kharat's financial transactions.
- Kharat faces multiple FIRs, including eight for alleged sexual assault and two for cheating.
- A Lookout Notice has been issued to prevent Kharat's wife from fleeing the country.
Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, facing rape charges, opened over 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra under different names and carried out transactions worth nearly Rs 63 crore in the past few years, a police official has said.
As per sources, one of the accounts was opened in the name of sister of former Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, who resigned from the post last month after her alleged links with Kharat came to light following his arrest in Nashik.
These details emerged during a probe being conducted by police in Ahilyanagar district in a cheating case registered against Kharat, his wife Kalpana and three others, the official said on Thursday.
The case relates to the Kharat couple, residents of Nashik district, allegedly trying to grab four acres of land in the temple town of Shirdi after giving its owner a loan of Rs 5.52 crore.
The Shirdi police have arrested two middlemen in the case and are looking for Kalpana and one more person.
To prevent Kalpana from fleeing the country, police have issued a Lookout Notice against her, said Somnath Gharge, Superintendent of Police (SP), Ahilyanagar.
Immigration officials at designated airports, seaports, and land borders have been alerted about the case, he said.
Investigation Uncovers Widespread Financial Activity
While investigating the cheating case registered at Shirdi, police found that Kharat had opened more than 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies (financial entities providing loans, savings, and banking services) in the name of different people in Ahilyanagar district, Gharge informed.
All these accounts had recorded heavy transaction volume in the last couple of years. In one of the credit societies, there were transactions of over Rs 60 crore and in the other, police have so far found transactions of more than Rs 2.74 crore, according to the SP.
The nominee for all the accounts was Kharat, a former merchant navy officer, and his mobile number was listed as the contact for each, Gharge said.
During the investigation, it was found that Kharat, who also claimed to be an astrologer, was operating all these accounts and depositing money, which he received from people visiting him for consultation, another official said.
Enforcement Directorate Involvement and Existing Charges
In view of these revelations, the Enforcement Directorate, which probes money laundering cases, is likely to enter the inquiry scene, the second official said.
At least 10 FIRs -- eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation of women and two for cheating -- have been registered against Kharat, who is being probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government.
The rape accused 'godman' is in the SIT custody till April 8.
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