20 May,2026 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till May 26 in connection with an alleged Rs 70 crore money laundering case, reported PTI.
Kharat, who is already facing multiple cases related to rape, sexual exploitation and fraud, was produced before the special PMLA court after being formally arrested by the ED on Tuesday, reported PTI.
The central agency sought 10 days of custody, arguing that custodial interrogation was necessary for a detailed investigation into the alleged money laundering network and financial transactions linked to the case.
The ED has accused Kharat of running a large-scale extortion racket and laundering more than Rs 70 crore through a network of alleged benami bank accounts.
According to investigators, the funds were allegedly routed through accounts held in the names of different individuals while the actual control and ownership remained elsewhere, reported PTI.
The agency registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 6 after taking cognisance of a First Information Report registered by the Nashik Police, reported PTI.
The FIR includes allegations related to extortion, religious manipulation and assault on women allegedly facilitated through the use of intoxicating substances.
Kharat is also facing several criminal cases linked to allegations of rape and sexual exploitation of women.
He was arrested by the Nashik Police on March 18 after a married woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over a period of three years.
Officials said multiple FIRs have since been registered against him in connection with similar allegations involving other women, reported PTI.
The case has attracted significant attention in Maharashtra because of the serious criminal allegations as well as the scale of the alleged financial fraud being investigated by agencies.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating 12 separate cases registered against Kharat in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.
The cases reportedly involve allegations of sexual exploitation, cheating, financial fraud and extortion.
Investigators are also examining the financial trail connected to properties, bank accounts and other assets allegedly linked to Kharat and his associates.
According to officials, the ED is coordinating with local police authorities and the SIT to gather financial records and evidence connected to the alleged money laundering operation, reported PTI.
Before his arrest by the ED, Kharat was lodged in judicial custody in Nashik in connection with the criminal cases registered against him.
He was later brought to Mumbai on a production warrant and presented before the special PMLA court for remand proceedings.
(With inputs from PTI)
