MUMBAI: The ED conducted searches in a money laundering case linked to extortion and rape accused Ashok Kharat across multiple locations, including five in Nashik, three in Pune and three in Shirdi. The raids primarily covered premises linked to trusts associated with Kharat, as well as those of his close associates, including a chartered accountant.The ED recently registered a case against him to investigate his financial transactions.The case was based on an extortion FIR registered against Kharat in Nashik, where a real estate businessman alleged that he extorted around Rs 5 crore from him between 2018 and 2019. The businessman also alleged that he transferred ownership of his luxury car to Kharat.Earlier, CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the ED had taken cognisance of the case and was investigating Kharat.Kharat was allegedly sexually exploiting women by claiming to be a “divine incarnation”. Some time ago, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home Department portfolio, received a complaint about it, after which he instructed the Nashik police commissioner to take action against Kharat and others involved in the offence.Kharat was arrested in the case recently, and several photos later surfaced on social media showing senior ministers and politicians of the ruling party visiting him or performing rituals with him. It was also alleged that senior leaders procured ‘Oshno Jal’ (said to be a Viagra-like liquid) from him. Subsequently, call detail records (CDR) also surfaced showing calls between senior politicians and Kharat, along with their duration, raising questions about their association.
