ED Files Complaint Against Fake Godman In ₹42.88 Crore Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against self-styled godman Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, his wife Kalpana Kharat, and four others in connection with an alleged ₹42.88 crore money laundering case. The complaint, which runs to over 3,000 pages, was filed before a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai.

According to the ED, Kharat allegedly orchestrated a scheme to exploit the religious faith and emotional vulnerability of devotees by falsely projecting himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva with supernatural powers. He allegedly lured followers into spending large sums on 'Avatar Poojas' by claiming he could predict or avert misfortune and promising relief from illnesses, business losses, and personal setbacks.

The ED alleged that Kharat targeted businessmen by instilling fears of financial ruin, divine wrath, or the death of family members, coercing them into paying hefty sums as 'Avatar Puja' charges, donations, and other expenses. The agency claimed that the scheme enabled Kharat to systematically extract money and properties through deception and criminal intimidation over several years.

The complaint reveals that Kharat used elaborate props, including remote-controlled fake snakes and tiger skins, to reinforce claims of divine powers. He also allegedly administered suspected sedatives to female devotees and sold ordinary tamarind seeds, stones, and honey by falsely claiming they possessed divine healing properties.

The ED alleged that Kharat laundered the proceeds through a network of cooperative credit societies and benami accounts. He allegedly opened 108 accounts in Samata Nagari Sahakari Patsanstha at Rahata and 34 benami accounts in Jagdamba Mata Gramin Bigarsheti Sahakari Patsanstha Maryadit at Sinnar without mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance or physical verification.

According to the ED, around ₹21.25 crore was deposited in the Rahata cooperative society, from which ₹23.87 crore, including interest, was subsequently withdrawn. In the Sinnar cooperative society, investigators alleged that about ₹1.86 crore was deposited in the benami accounts, while ₹3.18 crore was withdrawn on maturity.

The ED claimed that the cash withdrawn from the cooperative society accounts was not retained in the banking system. The agency has attached properties and assets worth several crores in connection with the case.

The Special PMLA court is expected to take formal cognisance of the complaint in the coming days. The ED's investigation has revealed a complex web of money laundering and deception, with Kharat allegedly using his fake godman persona to exploit devotees and launder large sums of money.

The case highlights the need for vigilance and scrutiny of self-styled godmen and spiritual leaders who claim to have supernatural powers. It also underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and enforcement in preventing money laundering and financial crimes.

The ED's action against Kharat and his associates is a significant step towards holding those responsible for financial crimes accountable. The case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the victims of Kharat's alleged scam and for the broader community of devotees and followers who were deceived by his false claims.

In conclusion, the ED's complaint against Ashok Kharat and his associates marks a major development in the investigation into the alleged ₹42.88 crore money laundering case. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial regulation and oversight in preventing crimes like money laundering and deception.