A recent Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into self-styled godman Ashok Kharat has uncovered his alleged involvement in a hawala racket, with call detail records (CDR) showing links to international destinations and prominent figures. Kharat, already facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and fraud, reportedly operated through his temple trust to launder funds from Dubai to Australia. The revelations have sparked political controversy in Maharashtra, with transactions exceeding Rs 63 crore traced to over 130 bank accounts.
Background on Ashok Kharat’s Criminal Cases
Ashok Kharat, a former merchant navy officer turned astrologer and self-proclaimed godman from Nashik, Maharashtra, has been in police custody since late March 2026. He faces at least 10 FIRs, including eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation of over 150 women followers, and two for cheating. Police recovered 200 videos from his devices depicting these acts, and he is accused of using “black magic” and code words to trap victims. Additional complaints, over 100 received by the SIT, involve fraud like selling fake gemstones and “magic honey” for lakhs.
Kharat’s modus operandi included promising business success or marital harmony in exchange for consultations, leading to exploitation. One cloth merchant alleged a loss of Rs 2.62 lakh from fake items. In a Shirdi land grab case, he and his wife Kalpana loaned Rs 5.52 crore to seize four acres, prompting arrests of middlemen and a lookout notice for her.[ “page:0”]
Hawala Racket and Financial Irregularities Revealed
Call detail records from Kharat’s phones show frequent contacts with overseas numbers in hawala hubs like Dubai, Australia, Qatar, Virgin Islands, and Chrisman Island. These calls suggest funneling ill-gotten gains through his temple trust for politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged a Rs 1,000 crore money laundering operation, converting black money to white across “unsafe to safe zones,” demanding Enforcement Directorate (ED) intervention as a national security threat.
Investigators found over 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies—Samata PatSanstha in Kopargaon and Jagdamba Mata PatSanstha in Sinnar—opened under proxies with Kharat as nominee and contact.[ “page:0”] Transactions totaled Rs 62.74 crore: over Rs 60 crore in one and Rs 2.74 crore in the other, funded by devotee “consultation fees.”[ “page:0”] Kharat and family held 100+ bank accounts using multiple PAN and Aadhaar cards. One account linked to Rupali Chakankar’s sister, who resigned as Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chairperson amid links.[ “page:0”] ED probe is likely.[ “page:0”]
A Dubai-based jeweler, owner of a gold hallmarking firm, surfaced from Kharat’s mobile videos of a lavish puja at his CA’s office, implicating hawala flows.
Political Connections via Call Records
Social activist Anjali Damania publicized CDR details, naming Maharashtra leaders without WhatsApp data confirmation. Key interactions include: Rupali Chakankar (177 calls, 33,000+ seconds) and sister Pratibha Takad (236 calls); CM Eknath Shinde (17 calls, longest 21 minutes); Chandrakant Patil and Sunil Tatkare (8 calls each); Deepak Kesarkar, Ashish Shelar. Named figures neither confirmed nor denied ties; photos with Kharat went viral.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut called it an “internal war” targeting leaders via leaked info, urging full exposure for victims. Shiv Sena’s Prakash Mahajan accused Damania of endangering Shinde. Pawar hinted at silencing attempts on Kharat, who holds “sensitive information.”
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
The SIT, formed by the state, holds Kharat till April 8, 2026, probing money trails, assets, and his wife’s role—she absconded.[ “page:0”] Land fraud claims include unbuilt old-age homes on cheap buys. Over 100 complaints continue, expanding scope to terror tactics for extortion.
This case highlights vulnerabilities in financial oversight and godman influence in politics, with potential ED entry signaling broader hawala crackdown.[ “page:0”] Authorities emphasize holistic probe amid public outrage.