Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat Accused of Rape and Financial Fraud in Maharashtra
2 credit societies, 132 accounts, ₹63 crore transactions: How 'godman' built his fortunes
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman facing rape charges, allegedly opened over 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra, conducting transactions exceeding ₹62.74 crore. Investigations reveal links to a cheating case involving land fraud in Shirdi, prompting police and the Enforcement Directorate to take action.
- 01Ashok Kharat opened over 130 accounts under different names.
- 02Transactions exceeded ₹62.74 crore in two cooperative credit societies.
- 03Kharat is linked to a cheating case involving land fraud in Shirdi.
- 04Police have issued a Lookout Notice against Kharat's wife, Kalpana.
- 05The Enforcement Directorate is expected to investigate potential money laundering.
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Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman from Nashik district, Maharashtra, is under investigation for opening more than 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies, where he conducted transactions totaling over ₹62.74 crore. This came to light during a police investigation into a cheating case involving Kharat and his wife, Kalpana, who allegedly attempted to seize four acres of land in Shirdi after providing the owner with a loan of ₹5.52 crore. One account was reportedly opened in the name of a relative of Rupali Chakankar, the former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission, who resigned amid the scandal. Kharat, who claims to be an astrologer and former merchant navy officer, was found to have operated all accounts using his mobile number as the contact. The police have arrested two middlemen in connection with the case and are seeking Kalpana to prevent her from fleeing the country. The Enforcement Directorate is likely to investigate further for potential money laundering, as Kharat faces multiple allegations, including eight for sexual assault.
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The ongoing investigation may lead to increased scrutiny of cooperative credit societies and their operations, affecting how they manage accounts and transactions.
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