₹8.76 Cr Fraud Case Against ‘Godman’ Kharat
Chartered accountant alleges cheating; probe widens as rape case accused faces fresh charges
- Fresh cheating complaint of ₹8.76 crore filed against Ashok Kharat
- SIT launches probe into alleged financial fraud
- Kharat already under arrest in rape case
- Allegations include misuse of trust funds and rituals
GG News Bureau
Nashik, 10th April: Fresh trouble has mounted for self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is already in custody in a rape case, with a chartered accountant accusing him of cheating and financial fraud amounting to over ₹8.76 crore.
The complaint has been filed by Lalit Pophale, who alleged that Kharat duped him by taking money under the pretext of religious rituals and ceremonies. According to the complaint, the accused misappropriated funds over a prolonged period.
Sources said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered the case and initiated a probe into the alleged financial irregularities. Investigators revealed that Pophale had been made a trustee of Kharat’s organisation, Shivnika Sansthan, where the presence of a chartered accountant was mandatory.
The complaint claims that Kharat exploited this arrangement to carry out the alleged fraud, raising concerns that not only devotees but also close associates were deceived.
Kharat, a former Merchant Navy officer who referred to himself as “Captain,” was arrested on March 17 following allegations of sexual assault by a woman, who claimed abuse over a three-year period. During the investigation, police reportedly recovered 58 videos, including objectionable content, from a pen drive.
The controversy has also had political fallout. Rupali Chakankar resigned as president of the women’s wing of the Nationalist Congress Party after her name surfaced in connection with the trust. She was a trustee of the organisation, where Kharat served as president.
