Mumbai

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday carried out searches across multiple cities in Maharashtra in connection with a money laundering investigation involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and entities linked to him, officials said.

According to officials, raids were conducted at five premises in Nashik, Kharat’s hometown, and three locations each in Pune and Shirdi. Residential and commercial premises linked to Kharat, his chartered accountant Prakash Pophale, relatives, and branches of cooperative credit societies were searched.

The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on April 6, based on an FIR filed by Nashik Police accusing Kharat of offences including extortion, religious manipulation and drug-facilitated assault involving multiple women.

Officials alleged Kharat opened several bank accounts in the names of third parties with two cooperative credit societies in Nashik district. He was reportedly listed as nominee on these accounts and linked his mobile number to retain control over transactions.

Preliminary findings also suggest he sold ordinary goods as “blessed items”, claiming they had divine healing powers. Investigators suspect funds collected through such means and alleged extortion were invested in land purchases through associates, including his chartered accountant.

Kharat, who also projected himself as an astrologer, was arrested by Nashik Police in March after a married woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over three years.

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Police have so far registered eight FIRs against him. Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered allegations of sexual assault, financial irregularities, land deals, bank accounts and other assets.