Following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s announcement regarding an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the money laundering allegations against self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, the ED has initiated its proceedings. The Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed against Kharat stems from previous complaints lodged by Maharashtra police concerning various offenses.

An official indicated that Kharat is not only facing accusations of sexual harassment but is also implicated in financial irregularities, including land grabbing and illicit property transactions. “The ED’s investigation is aimed at determining whether the properties in question were acquired using illicit funds,” the official explained.

The state government has already established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DCP Tejaswi Satpute to delve deeper into the matter. Kharat is currently entangled in at least eight cases concerning the exploitation of women. Following the revelation of sexual harassment allegations, further issues related to financial deceit and unlawful land acquisition have come to light.

Maharashtra police have successfully identified six women who were victimized by the fraudulent godman. Five of these women, along with the husband of one victim, have filed formal complaints, which led to Kharat’s arrest by the Nashik crime branch. Kharat purportedly claimed to have supernatural abilities and exploited his followers’ faith to coerce them into sexual activities.

In addition to charges related to sexual assault, Kharat has also been charged under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act of 2013.