The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached a special court in Mumbai seeking custody of a self-styled ‘godman’ accused of rape in a money laundering case. The agency filed a criminal complaint against the individual, identified as Kharat, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 6. The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Nashik Police against the ‘godman’ on charges of extortion, religious manipulation, and drug-facilitated assault on multiple women victims.
Case Background
The ED’s action follows the Nashik Police FIR, which alleged that the accused used his influence as a religious figure to exploit women. The charges include extortion, administering drugs to victims, and sexual assault. The agency has now moved the special court to secure the accused’s custody for further investigation into the money laundering aspect of the case.
Legal Proceedings
The special court in Mumbai is expected to hear the ED’s plea for custody. The agency aims to unravel the financial trail linked to the alleged crimes, including proceeds from extortion and other illegal activities. The accused is currently in judicial custody in connection with the rape case.
The ED’s investigation under the PMLA focuses on tracing and confiscating assets acquired through money laundering. The case highlights the intersection of financial crimes with serious offenses like sexual assault and religious exploitation.
