Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against self-styled godman Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, also known as Captain or Bondhu Baba, his wife Kalpana Kharat, and four others in a money laundering case linked to an alleged extortion racket run under the guise of spiritual practices.

According to the ED, assets worth ₹36.90 crore have been attached, seized or frozen during the investigation. The charge sheet has been filed before the Special PMLA Court in Mumbai.

Allegedly cheated devotees using fake spiritual claims

The ED launched its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered at Sarkar Wada, Shirdi, Sinnar and Rahata police stations.

Investigators alleged that Kharat exploited the religious faith of devotees by claiming to possess divine powers and presenting himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He allegedly persuaded people to hand over money and property by promising to perform ‘Avatar Poojas’, cure illnesses, prevent misfortune and ensure business success.

The agency has accused him of generating proceeds of crime through extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation.

Money laundering through cooperative societies and benami accounts

The ED alleged that Kharat laundered the illegally acquired money through two cooperative credit societies, using multiple bank accounts in connivance with an employee. The agency also claimed he used benami accounts to deposit and withdraw large amounts of cash.

According to investigators, the funds were later invested in immovable properties across Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Pune and Mumbai in the names of his family members and close associates.

Kharat was arrested by the ED on May 19 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and remains in judicial custody. Earlier this month, the agency also provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹19.20 crore, in addition to assets worth ₹17.70 crore seized or frozen during searches conducted in April and May.