From Faith to Fraud: Self-styled godman’s ₹63 Cr financial network unearthed

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat , facing multiple rape and cheating charges , is under fresh scrutiny after police uncovered a network of over 130 bank accounts allegedly used to route nearly ₹63 crore , officials said.

The accounts were opened in different names across two cooperative credit societies (local financial institutions offering loans, savings, and banking services) in Ahilyanagar district. Investigators found over ₹60 crore transacted through one society and ₹2.74 crore through another in recent years. All accounts listed Kharat as nominee , with a single mobile number linked to him, suggesting centralized control. Police said Kharat, who presented himself as an astrologer and spiritual guide , deposited money received from followers seeking consultations into these accounts.

The findings emerged during a probe into a cheating case in Shirdi , where Kharat and his wife Kalpana are accused of attempting to grab four acres of land after extending a ₹5.52 crore loan to the owner. Two middlemen have been arrested, while Kalpana remains absconding. A Lookout Notice has been issued to prevent her from fleeing the country.

The case has also taken a political turn, with one account allegedly linked to the sister of former Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar , who resigned last month amid controversy.

At least 10 FIRs including eight for sexual exploitation have been registered against Kharat, currently in SIT custody. With the scale of financial transactions, the Enforcement Directorate is likely to probe possible money laundering.

The case underscores a recurring pattern where self-styled godmen build influence by exploiting faith, attracting followers, and creating opaque financial networks that can enable large-scale fraud and abuse.