Godman Ashok Kharat's Massive Financial Fraud: Over 130 Fake Accounts Uncovered
In a shocking development, self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is already facing serious rape charges, has been implicated in a massive financial fraud case. Police officials have revealed that Kharat allegedly opened more than 130 accounts across two cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra using various false identities and conducted transactions totaling nearly Rs 63 crore over recent years.
Investigation Uncovers Complex Financial Network
The intricate details of this financial deception emerged during an ongoing police investigation in Ahilyanagar district. Authorities are probing a cheating case registered against Kharat, his wife Kalpana, and three other individuals. The case specifically involves the Kharat couple's alleged attempt to seize four acres of land in Shirdi after providing a loan of Rs 5.52 crore to the property owner.
According to Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, the investigation into the Shirdi cheating case led to the discovery of Kharat's extensive network of fraudulent accounts. "We found that Kharat had opened more than 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies within Ahilyanagar district, all registered under different individuals' names," Gharge stated.
Staggering Transaction Volumes Revealed
The financial scale of this operation is truly staggering. Police have confirmed that in just one of the credit societies, transaction volumes exceeded Rs 60 crore. Meanwhile, in the second society, investigators have already traced transactions worth more than Rs 2.74 crore, with the possibility of additional discoveries as the probe continues.
What makes this scheme particularly concerning is that Kharat, a former merchant navy officer, was listed as the nominee for every single one of these accounts. Furthermore, his personal mobile number was registered as the primary contact for all accounts, clearly indicating his central role in operating this elaborate financial network.
Political Connections and International Concerns
Adding another layer of complexity to this case, one of the accounts was reportedly opened in the name of the sister of former Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar. Chakankar resigned from her position last month after her alleged connections with Kharat surfaced following his arrest in Nashik.
The investigation has taken an international dimension as well. Authorities have issued a Lookout Notice against Kharat's wife Kalpana to prevent her from leaving the country. Immigration officials at all designated airports, seaports, and land borders have been alerted regarding this case. Shirdi police have already arrested two middlemen connected to the land grabbing scheme and are actively searching for Kalpana and another accused individual.
Sources of Funds and Potential ED Involvement
Investigators have uncovered that Kharat, who presented himself as an astrologer, was actively operating these accounts and depositing money received from people who visited him for consultations. This revelation suggests that funds obtained through his spiritual consultations may have been funneled through this elaborate network of accounts.
Given the substantial financial transactions and potential money laundering aspects of this case, officials indicate that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to step into the investigation. The ED specializes in probing money laundering cases and could bring additional resources and expertise to unravel the full extent of this financial web.
Multiple Legal Cases Pile Up Against Kharat
This financial fraud case adds to Kharat's growing list of legal troubles. So far, at least ten First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against him. These include eight cases related to alleged sexual assault or exploitation of women and two cases specifically for cheating offenses.
Kharat is currently being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Maharashtra state government. He remains in SIT custody until at least April 8 as authorities continue to piece together the full scope of his alleged criminal activities spanning both financial fraud and sexual misconduct charges.
The unfolding investigation continues to reveal new dimensions of this complex case that bridges financial crime, potential political connections, and serious allegations of sexual misconduct against a self-proclaimed spiritual figure.
