.jpg)
Major ED Action in Ashok Kharat Case: Raids at 11 Locations Across Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi; Properties Linked to Officials' Relatives Under Suspicion
Nashik: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated major action in the case involving the fraudulent 'Baba' (spiritual guru) Ashok Kharat. On Monday (April 13, 2026), an ED team conducted raids at a total of 11 locations across Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi. These locations include the residential and commercial properties of Kharat, his family members, his Chartered Accountant Prakash Pophale, and their relatives.
The ED has registered a case against Kharat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the FIR filed by the Nashik Police, Kharat faces grave allegations, including fraud committed in the name of religion, extortion, and sexual assault involving the use of intoxicants. In this case, there is a suspicion that approximately ?12 crore was laundered using more than 87 bogus bank accounts. Furthermore, according to some reports, it has come to light that transactions exceeding ?60 crore were conducted through over 130 'dummy' accounts.
During the raids, evidence regarding Kharat's property network was uncovered. This includes a farmhouse complex near the Mirgaon temple, a bungalow and office within Nashik city, flats in Nashik and Pune, and a lawn near Shirdi that is rented out for wedding ceremonies. The investigation has revealed that these properties were purchased in the names of Kharat's Chartered Accountant, Prakash Pophale, and his family members.
Most significantly, indications have emerged that some of these properties are registered in the names of family members of high-ranking government officials. Consequently, the ED is now likely to investigate the role played by these officials as well. This development has caused a stir among certain government officials and employees—both in Nashik and across the state.
In addition to the residences of Kharat, Pophale, their relatives, and associates, the ED also conducted search operations at the branches of cooperative credit societies, such as the 'Samata Pat Sanstha'. The inquiry by the Nashik Police SIT into this case is currently underway, while the ED is now conducting an in-depth investigation into the money laundering aspects.
This action has dealt a severe blow to the fraudulent rackets operating under the guise of 'fake godmen,' and further major revelations are anticipated. As the investigation is still ongoing, additional details have not yet emerged.
Nashik: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated major action in the case involving the fraudulent 'Baba' (spiritual guru) Ashok Kharat. On Monday (April 13, 2026), an ED team conducted raids at a total of 11 locations across Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi. These locations include the residential and commercial properties of Kharat, his family members, his Chartered Accountant Prakash Pophale, and their relatives.
The ED has registered a case against Kharat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the FIR filed by the Nashik Police, Kharat faces grave allegations, including fraud committed in the name of religion, extortion, and sexual assault involving the use of intoxicants. In this case, there is a suspicion that approximately ?12 crore was laundered using more than 87 bogus bank accounts. Furthermore, according to some reports, it has come to light that transactions exceeding ?60 crore were conducted through over 130 'dummy' accounts.
During the raids, evidence regarding Kharat's property network was uncovered. This includes a farmhouse complex near the Mirgaon temple, a bungalow and office within Nashik city, flats in Nashik and Pune, and a lawn near Shirdi that is rented out for wedding ceremonies. The investigation has revealed that these properties were purchased in the names of Kharat's Chartered Accountant, Prakash Pophale, and his family members.
Most significantly, indications have emerged that some of these properties are registered in the names of family members of high-ranking government officials. Consequently, the ED is now likely to investigate the role played by these officials as well. This development has caused a stir among certain government officials and employees—both in Nashik and across the state.
In addition to the residences of Kharat, Pophale, their relatives, and associates, the ED also conducted search operations at the branches of cooperative credit societies, such as the 'Samata Pat Sanstha'. The inquiry by the Nashik Police SIT into this case is currently underway, while the ED is now conducting an in-depth investigation into the money laundering aspects.
This action has dealt a severe blow to the fraudulent rackets operating under the guise of 'fake godmen,' and further major revelations are anticipated. As the investigation is still ongoing, additional details have not yet emerged.
The ED has registered a case against Kharat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the FIR filed by the Nashik Police, Kharat faces grave allegations, including fraud committed in the name of religion, extortion, and sexual assault involving the use of intoxicants. In this case, there is a suspicion that approximately ?12 crore was laundered using more than 87 bogus bank accounts. Furthermore, according to some reports, it has come to light that transactions exceeding ?60 crore were conducted through over 130 'dummy' accounts.
During the raids, evidence regarding Kharat's property network was uncovered. This includes a farmhouse complex near the Mirgaon temple, a bungalow and office within Nashik city, flats in Nashik and Pune, and a lawn near Shirdi that is rented out for wedding ceremonies. The investigation has revealed that these properties were purchased in the names of Kharat's Chartered Accountant, Prakash Pophale, and his family members.
Most significantly, indications have emerged that some of these properties are registered in the names of family members of high-ranking government officials. Consequently, the ED is now likely to investigate the role played by these officials as well. This development has caused a stir among certain government officials and employees—both in Nashik and across the state.
In addition to the residences of Kharat, Pophale, their relatives, and associates, the ED also conducted search operations at the branches of cooperative credit societies, such as the 'Samata Pat Sanstha'. The inquiry by the Nashik Police SIT into this case is currently underway, while the ED is now conducting an in-depth investigation into the money laundering aspects.
This action has dealt a severe blow to the fraudulent rackets operating under the guise of 'fake godmen,' and further major revelations are anticipated. As the investigation is still ongoing, additional details have not yet emerged.
