Nashik, April 3 (IANS) A major financial scam has come to light during the ongoing investigation into self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. He is already facing serious allegations of sexual exploitation of women and financial fraud in the name of spirituality.

Preliminary findings have revealed that Kharat allegedly opened more than 130 fake bank accounts during 2021–22, say crime branch officials. These accounts were created in the names of different individuals, and were used to facilitate transactions worth crores of rupees, they added.

Several of these accounts were operated allegedly through financial entities such as Samata Credit Institution and Jagdamba Credit Institution, the officials point out.

In what has come as another startling revelation, Kharat was, according to crime branch, listed as the nominee in all these accounts. There is evidence which suggest that large sums — often running into lakhs — were transferred through these accounts within a single day, say the investigators. Officials estimate that transactions exceeding Rs 50 crore may have been routed through this network so far.

The investigation has also raised suspicions of the involvement of influential individuals, with authorities probing whether the names of relatives of prominent figures were used to open some of these accounts.

However, no official confirmation has been made regarding these links.

The breakthrough in the financial trail came during the interrogation of two accused arrested earlier in a separate money-lending case by Shirdi police.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case is, meanwhile, examining allegations of large-scale financial irregularities and possible money laundering. Sources indicate that illegal funds collected from devotees may have been routed through hawala channels to conceal their origin.

In a related development, the SIT had been preparing to detain Kharat’s wife for questioning, but she reportedly absconded before action could be taken.

Subsequently, Kharat’s son was taken into custody. During interrogation, he initially remained uncooperative but later admitted that large amounts of cash frequently arrived at their residence, though he claimed to be unaware of its exact sources.

He, however, acknowledged that his father exercised full control over the financial dealings. The SIT is now set to conduct a detailed financial audit of Shivnika Sansthan, an institute allegedly linked to Kharat, to examine whether religious platforms were used to channel and legitimise illegal funds.

–IANS

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