Systematic extortion: ED arrests Godman Ashok Kharat for money laundering

Mumbai,UPDATED: May 22, 2026 07:53 IST

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, alias ‘Captain’, for alleged money laundering and extortion through religious and spiritual activities. A special PMLA court in Mumbai remanded him to ED custody till May 26.

The self-styled godman first grabbed headlines in March this year after the Nashik Police arrested him for allegedly raping a woman and exploiting several others under the guise of religious rituals and spiritual practices. His arrest subsequently exposed a web of shady financial transactions, prompting enforcement agencies to investigate his money trail.

EXTORTION IN GUISE OF SPIRITUALITY

According to the ED, Kharat allegedly operated a 'systematic extortion racket' under the guise of religious and spiritual practices. Investigators claim he projected himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and convinced followers that he possessed supernatural powers and divine knowledge. The agency alleged that he created fear among victims through staged rituals, claims of black magic, and emotional manipulation.

The ED alleged that victims were coerced into spending large sums of money on so-called “Avatar Pooja”, spiritual remedies and religious guidance. In one case, investigators found that a complainant allegedly spent around Rs 5.62 crore at Kharat’s behest on a luxury Mercedes car, foreign trips, medical treatment in the United States, and development of farmhouse properties.

The probe further revealed that the alleged proceeds of crime were laundered through multiple bank accounts, cooperative credit societies, movable and immovable assets, and proxy accounts opened in the names of other individuals without their knowledge.

According to the agency, Kharat operated several benami accounts and fixed deposits through two cooperative credit societies, where large amounts of cash were deposited, converted into fixed deposits, and later withdrawn in cash.

Investigators also claimed that Kharat controlled these accounts and used the alleged proceeds of the crime to acquire various movable and immovable properties.

WHAT ED RAIDS RECOVERED

The ED conducted multiple search operations in April and May 2026 across residential and commercial premises linked to Kharat and his associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

During the searches, the agency seized cash worth Rs 13.92 crore, foreign currency worth $5,500 (approximately Rs 5.11 lakh), and gold and silver jewellery valued at around Rs 1.12 crore. Bank balances amounting to Rs 2.25 crore were also frozen. A high-end Mercedes car was also seized.

The agency said several incriminating documents, digital devices and property-related records were also recovered during the raids. Further investigation is underway.

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