Investigation into Ashok Kharat's Activities Expands in Pune

The Ahilyanagar police in Pune have initiated a thorough investigation into the purported involvement of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in various cases of land fraud targeting local farmers. District Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge confirmed that authorities are scrutinising a complex financial web linked to Kharat, who currently has over 100 bank accounts registered under fictitious names. Despite the various account holders identified, all accounts list Kharat as the nominee. It has been reported that all registered mobile numbers associated with these accounts belong to Kharat himself.

"Kharat conducted transactions through these accounts, as one-time passwords were sent to his mobile phone. To date, we have identified transactions exceeding ₹60 crore (approximately $7.2 million). Our investigation teams are actively working to trace the specifics and the purpose of these transactions. We are not dismissing the possibility of Kharat's involvement in additional fraudulent activities within the district," stated Gharge.

In light of these allegations, the police urged any individuals who believe they have fallen victim to Kharat's schemes to file complaints. Recently, a Shirdi-based farmer named Raosaheb Gondkar accused Kharat, along with his wife Kalpana and associates Kiran Sonewane, Arvind Bawke, and Ashok Tambe, of illegally acquiring his four-acre land.

Police reports indicate that Kiran Sonewane, Arvind Bawke, and Ashok Tambe are close associates of Kharat and allegedly possess knowledge of his illegal operations within the region. Kalpana Kharat and Ashok Tambe are presently at large, prompting local police to issue a lookout circular against Kalpana on Thursday.

In a recent court session in Rahata, Ahilyanagar, the police requested an extension of the custody for Sonewane and Bawke. Their initial three-day remand concluded on Friday. Public prosecutor GV Borde, during the hearing, sought a five-day extension, arguing that further custody is essential to recover funds taken from the farmer, along with vital documents, bank cheque books, passbooks, and other electronic evidence. He indicated that the accused could potentially offer significant insights into Kharat's financial dealings within the district.

The defence counsel opposed the extension, asserting that the two associates did not participate in the transactions involving Kharat and Gondkar and lacked pertinent information for the investigation. The court ultimately approved only a three-day extension of the police remand, limiting the duration for further inquiries.