The Maharashtra Fake Baba Ashok Kharat ED Raid has revealed a shocking network of alleged financial fraud, sexual exploitation, and religious deception across multiple cities in the state. On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out coordinated raids at 11 locations linked to controversial self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is already facing serious criminal charges including rape, extortion, and religious fraud.
The raids took place in Nashik, Pune, Shirdi, and other parts of Maharashtra, exposing what investigators believe to be a massive illegal empire built through manipulation of religious beliefs, online exploitation, and complex financial transactions.
According to ED officials, Kharat allegedly created a web of fake bank accounts, benami properties, and fraudulent businesses, amassing wealth worth hundreds of crores over the last decade. Authorities say the operation was run through a carefully managed network that allowed him to control finances, influence followers, and hide large sums of money.
ED Raids 11 Locations in Major Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate launched its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Nashik Police, which accused Ashok Kharat of multiple crimes including extortion, cheating devotees, and exploiting women under the guise of spiritual rituals.
During the raids, ED teams searched 11 premises connected to Kharat, including residential properties, farmhouses, temples, and business locations. Investigators discovered a complex financial system allegedly used to launder money and conceal illegal earnings.
Authorities confirmed that 52 properties linked to Kharat are currently under investigation, including land parcels, luxury farmhouses, temples, and flats held in the names of associates and third parties.
Officials believe the value of these properties could run into hundreds of crores of rupees, forming part of a massive hidden financial empire.
132 Bank Accounts Used to Control Financial Network
One of the most significant discoveries in the Maharashtra Fake Baba Ashok Kharat ED Raid involves a network of 132 bank accounts allegedly opened using the names of third parties.
According to ED officials, Kharat linked his own mobile number to these accounts and listed himself as the nominee, allowing him to control the accounts while keeping his identity hidden.
Through these accounts, investigators have already traced transactions worth at least ₹62.74 crore. Authorities suspect the total amount could be far higher as the financial probe continues.
The use of multiple accounts allowed Kharat to allegedly move money between accounts, disguise sources of income, and convert illegal earnings into legitimate assets.
Devotees Charged Up to ₹1 Lakh to Meet Him
Investigators say Kharat created an aura of mysticism and exclusivity around his persona to attract wealthy followers.
In Mirgaon, he purchased land and established the Ishanyeshwar Mahadev Temple, which became the center of his operations. Large religious gatherings and rituals were organized regularly, attracting thousands of devotees who offered donations and gifts.
Authorities claim that people seeking private meetings with Kharat were charged fees ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh. In many cases, devotees reportedly had to wait for months before receiving an appointment.
Officials believe these meetings generated substantial income, which was later invested in property and other ventures.
Religious Objects Sold as ‘Divine’ Items
Another disturbing element uncovered during the Maharashtra Fake Baba Ashok Kharat ED Raid involves the alleged sale of ordinary objects presented as items with supernatural powers.
Investigators say Kharat sold items such as talismans, spiritual artifacts, and ritual materials to followers at extremely high prices, claiming they possessed divine energy.
To strengthen the illusion, authorities claim fake snakes and tigers were placed inside the temple premises, creating an atmosphere designed to intimidate devotees and reinforce the perception of mystical power.
These psychological tactics reportedly helped convince followers that Kharat possessed extraordinary abilities.
Obscene Video Clips Used for Online Earnings
During the investigation, law enforcement agencies also discovered more than 50 obscene video clips allegedly linked to Kharat.
Officials say these videos were uploaded on hundreds of websites, generating revenue through online platforms. Authorities believe the clips were secretly recorded using spy cameras during private meetings or rituals.
According to investigators, women seeking help for issues such as health problems, family disputes, or infertility were allegedly targeted.
Kharat reportedly lured victims with promises of spiritual purification rituals or tantric solutions, after which hidden cameras were used to record compromising videos.
These recordings were allegedly used for blackmail and further exploitation.
Former Assistant Arrested in Investigation
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has detained Neeraj Jadhav, a former office assistant of Kharat.
Police believe Jadhav played a key role in accessing CCTV footage and computer systems, which were allegedly used to extract explicit video clips.
During the search operations, investigators seized two laptops and more than 50 property-related documents.
Forensic experts are currently examining the devices and video files in an effort to identify victims and uncover the full scale of the network.
Authorities say the digital evidence could reveal additional accomplices and financial transactions linked to the operation.
Claims of International Travel and Foreign Expertise
Ashok Kharat also cultivated an image of being a globally respected expert in spiritual sciences and cosmology.
He frequently claimed to be a captain in the Australian Merchant Navy and presented himself as a specialist in cosmic energies and ancient spiritual knowledge.
Kharat reportedly told followers that he had visited 154 countries and spoke 12 foreign languages.
Records show that he travelled to Turkey at least 15 times in the past five years, which investigators are now examining as part of the financial probe.
Authorities are investigating whether these international trips were connected to business operations, money transfers, or the sourcing of products used in his schemes.
₹1,500 Crore Empire Built Over a Decade
Investigators believe Kharat built a massive financial empire worth nearly ₹1,500 crore within 10 to 12 years.
A significant part of his income allegedly came from selling a product called “Elvish Honey.”
Kharat claimed that this rare honey was sourced from sea caves in Turkey and possessed powerful medicinal and sexual health benefits.
The product was marketed as a miracle substance capable of boosting sexual strength and curing various ailments.
Shockingly, the honey was reportedly sold for as much as ₹9 lakh per kilogram.
Authorities suspect the product may have been used as a front for money laundering, allowing large sums of black money to be converted into legitimate business revenue.
Network Spread Across Five Cities
The investigation has revealed that Kharat’s operations were spread across several locations in Maharashtra.
Sinnar (Nashik)
A 3.5-acre complex called Shri Shivnika Sansthan allegedly served as the central headquarters of Kharat’s activities. Investigators discovered secret rooms believed to be used for tantric rituals.
Ahilyanagar
At a farmhouse in this region, officials reportedly found evidence suggesting occult practices associated with Aghori rituals. Some investigators are also examining claims related to possible human sacrifice rituals, though these allegations remain under investigation.
Pune
Several benami apartments in the city were allegedly used to host meetings with wealthy and influential followers.
Shirdi
A case involving blackmail through an obscene video of a young woman is currently under investigation.
Mumbai
Authorities say Kharat frequently stayed in luxury suites at five-star hotels, where important meetings and financial deals reportedly took place.
Political Links and Controversy
The Maharashtra Fake Baba Ashok Kharat ED Raid has taken a political turn after photographs and videos surfaced showing Kharat with several influential figures.
According to reports, his followers allegedly included senior bureaucrats, politicians, doctors, and business leaders.
The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter further.
Some accused individuals are reportedly still absconding, and investigators are examining possible links between Kharat and influential political personalities.
Administrative Action and Resignations
The controversy has already triggered administrative changes within the state.
Deputy Collector Abhijit Bhande Patil was transferred after investigators found a land partnership between his wife and the Kharat family.
Authorities are also examining real estate deals and financial links connected to this partnership.
Meanwhile, Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, resigned from her position after a photograph surfaced showing her allegedly performing a ritual worship ceremony involving Kharat’s symbolic footwear.
The image quickly went viral, intensifying public criticism.
Political Allegations Surface
The case escalated further after a senior opposition leader claimed that a minister had allegedly performed Aghori rituals under Kharat’s guidance in pursuit of political power.
While these allegations remain unproven, they have fueled intense political debate and increased pressure on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation.
Court Proceedings and Public Anger
Public outrage surrounding the case became evident during Kharat’s recent court appearance in Nashik.
As the accused was brought to court, a large crowd gathered outside the premises, and some individuals allegedly threw stones at the police vehicle transporting him.
Despite the tension, the court extended Ashok Kharat’s police custody until March 29, allowing investigators additional time to question him and examine the evidence collected during the raids.
Investigation Continues
Officials say the Maharashtra Fake Baba Ashok Kharat ED Raid is still in its early stages, and more revelations are expected as investigators analyze financial records, digital data, and property documents.
Authorities are particularly focused on identifying victims of exploitation, tracing hidden assets, and uncovering the full scope of the financial network.
With multiple agencies involved and high-profile connections emerging, the case has become one of the most significant investigations into fraudulent spiritual leaders and financial crime in Maharashtra in recent years.
As the probe continues, the revelations from the raids highlight the dangers of unchecked influence and the exploitation of faith for personal gain.