Fresh fraud allegations surface against self-styled guru Kharat:Misuse of devotees’ trust under lens as ED, Maharashtra police widen probe angle

The troubles of Ashok Kharat, who presents himself as a spiritual guru in Nashik district, are mounting steadily. Already facing serious criminal charges, he is now booked in a fresh financial misconduct case involving alleged diversion of funds through fake accounts. Police say the latest development adds another layer to an already complex investigation. 32 fake accounts, nearly Rs 58 lakh siphoned The case centres on Jagdamba Gramin Non-Agricultural Credit Society in Sinnar, where 32 accounts were allegedly opened using a single individual’s identity without consent. Investigators claim Rs 57,90,979 was misappropriated through these accounts over several years. A formal case of fraud has been registered against Kharat and members of the society’s management. Timeline and modus operandi under scrutiny Police findings indicate the transactions span from 2016 to 2023. Preliminary probes suggest large-scale deposits and withdrawals routed through these accounts, pointing to systematic diversion of funds. The role of the credit society’s officials has come under suspicion, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and internal controls. Key findings so far * Accounts opened without complainant’s knowledge or approval
* High-value transactions routed repeatedly through linked accounts
* Funds allegedly diverted in a structured pattern over years
* Management’s role under active investigation ED steps in, money laundering angle probed The Enforcement Directorate has entered the case, conducting raids at the cooperative society and seizing documents. Sources indicate that substantial financial trails were detected during the search operation. The ED has now registered a money laundering case, expanding the probe beyond local jurisdiction and bringing central scrutiny into the matter. Past allegations resurface, custody extended Kharat has earlier faced serious allegations of exploiting women, and multiple cases are already under investigation. The latest financial fraud charges have revived claims that he built a network by gaining devotees’ trust and misusing it. In a related development, he was produced in court on April 19 in a separate case of atrocities against women and has been remanded to police custody till April 23. What lies ahead in the investigation * Detailed forensic audit of financial transactions underway
* Possible identification of more beneficiaries and collaborators
* Cross-linking of financial and criminal cases expected
* Chances of further arrests or fresh charges not ruled out Possibility of more major revelations With multiple cases converging, the net around Kharat is tightening significantly. The scale of alleged financial fraud, combined with serious criminal accusations, has triggered statewide attention. Investigators believe the ongoing probe could uncover deeper links, larger financial irregularities, and involvement of additional individuals in the coming days. ​