ED Files Money Laundering Charges Against Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat in Alleged ₹42.88 Crore Fraud Case
Mumbai, July 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a detailed prosecution complaint against self-styled godman Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, popularly known as Captain Bondhu Baba, along with his wife Kalpana Kharat and four others, in connection with an alleged ₹42.88 crore money laundering case linked to fraud, cheating, extortion, and illegal financial transactions.
The prosecution complaint, spanning more than 3,000 pages, has been submitted before a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court. It is supported by statements from 37 witnesses, multiple annexures, and extensive documentary evidence. The court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days.
Allegations of Exploiting Faith
According to the ED, Kharat allegedly spent years exploiting the religious beliefs and emotional vulnerability of devotees by falsely presenting himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva with supernatural powers.
Investigators claim he persuaded followers to spend huge amounts of money on so-called “Avatar Poojas”, promising to cure illnesses, solve financial troubles, protect families from misfortune, and change people’s fortunes. The agency alleges that businessmen were particularly targeted through fear, with claims of divine punishment, business losses, or harm to loved ones unless expensive rituals and donations were made.
The ED further alleged that these deceptive practices enabled Kharat to collect crores of rupees from devotees over several years.
Fake Miracles and Deceptive Practices
The investigation also claims that Kharat used elaborate props, including remote-controlled fake snakes, tiger skins, and other items, to strengthen the illusion of possessing divine powers.
According to the agency, he also sold ordinary objects such as tamarind seeds, stones, and honey by falsely claiming they had miraculous healing properties. Investigators further alleged that suspected sedatives were administered to some female devotees as part of the fraudulent activities.
Money Laundering Through Benami Accounts
The ED alleges that the money collected from devotees was laundered through a network of cooperative credit societies and benami bank accounts.
According to the complaint, 108 accounts were allegedly opened at Samata Nagari Sahakari Patsanstha in Rahata and 34 benami accounts at Jagdamba Mata Gramin Bigarsheti Sahakari Patsanstha in Sinnar without proper KYC verification or mandatory documentation.
Investigators claim these accounts were used to channel large cash deposits and withdrawals, making illegal funds appear legitimate.
The ED stated that around ₹21.25 crore was deposited in one cooperative society, from which ₹23.87 crore, including interest, was later withdrawn. Another ₹1.86 crore was allegedly deposited in benami accounts, with ₹3.18 crore withdrawn after maturity.
Investments in Properties Across Maharashtra
According to investigators, the withdrawn cash was allegedly handed over to trusted associates before being invested in residential and commercial properties across Mumbai, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune, and Solapur.
Many of these properties were allegedly purchased in the names of Kharat’s family members to conceal the true ownership and origin of the funds.
The ED also alleged that one of Kharat’s close associates, Arvind Pandurang Bawake, managed nearly 60 bank accounts and helped withdraw ₹18–20 crore in cash, transporting the money on Kharat’s instructions in return for commissions.
Cash, Jewellery and Luxury Assets Seized
During searches conducted between April and May, the ED recovered and seized substantial assets linked to the accused.
According to the agency, officials seized ₹13.92 crore in cash, foreign currency worth ₹5.18 lakh, gold and silver jewellery valued at ₹1.12 crore, froze bank balances of ₹2.60 crore, and confiscated a Mercedes-Benz car.
The total value of assets seized and frozen has been estimated at approximately ₹17.70 crore.
Investigators also recovered property documents, electronic devices, and other materials that they claim support the money laundering investigation.
Separately, the ED has provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹19.20 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. These properties are reportedly registered in the names of Ashok Kharat, his wife, and several family members.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate will now be examined by the Special PMLA Court as legal proceedings move forward.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
