ED says Nashik's self-styled godman Ashok Kharat posed as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, operated extortion racket

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that controversial Nashik-based self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat alias “Captain” portrayed  himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, used fear and superstition to manipulate followers, and amassed vast wealth and benami properties through an alleged extortion and money laundering network.

Kharat, already booked by the Nashik police under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, is now facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to the ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office, investigations revealed that Kharat allegedly operated a “systematic extortion racket” under the guise of religious and spiritual practices. The agency claimed that he portrayed himself as a divine figure with supernatural powers and spread fear of death, black magic and misfortune among followers through staged rituals and emotional manipulation.

“By adopting such modus operandi, the accused allegedly extorted substantial amounts of money and valuable assets from victims under the guise of ‘Avatar Pooja’, religious remedies and spiritual guidance,” the ED said.

The agency alleged that in one case alone, a complainant spent nearly Rs 5.62 crore at Kharat’s behest on a luxury Mercedes car, foreign trips, medical treatment in the United States and development of farmhouse properties.

The ED further claimed that proceeds of crime generated through extortion and cheating were layered and laundered through multiple bank accounts, cooperative credit societies, movable and immovable assets, and proxy accounts allegedly opened in the names of individuals without their knowledge.

Investigators also alleged that Kharat operated several benami accounts and fixed deposits through cooperative credit societies, where large amounts of cash were deposited, converted into fixed deposits and later withdrawn in cash. According to the agency, these accounts were controlled using Kharat’s mobile number and nominee details, and the funds were subsequently used to acquire properties and other assets.

Searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA at residential and commercial premises linked to Kharat and his associates led to the seizure of cash worth Rs 13.92 crore, foreign currency amounting to $5,500, and gold and silver jewellery valued at around Rs 1.12 crore.

The ED also froze bank balances amounting to Rs 2.25 crore and seized a high-end Mercedes vehicle allegedly linked to the accused. Several digital devices, property documents and other incriminating records were recovered during the raids.

The case has once again drawn attention to Maharashtra’s anti-superstition law, enacted in 2013 following the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. The legislation was introduced to curb exploitative practices carried out in the name of miracles, occult rituals and black magic, while enabling police agencies to prosecute individuals accused of financially or psychologically exploiting devotees.