Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Ashok Kharat Faces Money Laundering Charges
Ashok Kharat, also known as Bhondu Baba, is a self-styled godman who is accused of money laundering.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) says he built a spiritual empire without any formal training in astrology or numerology.
He attracted many influential people who believed in his spiritual powers.
The ED alleges that Kharat used his influence to build a network for money laundering, involving bank accounts, cooperative societies, and property investments.
Kharat admits to owning properties but claims the money came from his agricultural income and donations.
The ED says the properties were bought with illegal money.
Kharat denies all allegations and says the donations were voluntary.
Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, is accused of money laundering ₹42.88 crore.
The ED alleges Kharat built a spiritual empire without formal training in astrology or numerology.
Kharat attracted influential followers who believed in his spiritual powers and sought his blessings.
The ED claims Kharat used his influence to create a money laundering network involving bank accounts and property investments.
Kharat admits to owning properties but attributes the funds to agricultural income and voluntary donations.
- Who
- Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat (Bhondu Baba)
- What
- Money laundering case involving ₹42.88 crore
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Allegations of extortion, cheating, and criminal intimidation of devotees
Enforcement Directorate
Ashok Kharat
Source of Funds
Enforcement Directorate
The ED alleges that Kharat used proceeds of crime to purchase properties and assets, citing cash payments and lack of supporting documentation.
Ashok Kharat
Kharat claims that the funds came from agricultural income, property transactions, and voluntary donations from devotees.
Control Over Trust
Enforcement Directorate
The ED alleges that Kharat exercised complete control over the Shree Shivnika Sansthan and its finances, with trustees having no role in administration.
Ashok Kharat
Kharat maintains that he personally handled the trust's financial affairs but denies any wrongdoing.
- Accused
- Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat (Bhondu Baba)
- Alleged Crime
- Money Laundering
- Amount Involved
- ₹42.88 crore
- Institution Involved
- Shree Shivnika Sansthan
- Key Witnesses
- Rupali Chakankar, Nandkishore Tulsidas Katore, Lalit Prakash Pophale
- Properties Under Scrutiny
- 9 immovable properties, a farmhouse, agricultural land
- Vehicles Involved
- Mercedes-Benz