The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, known as 'Captain', a self-proclaimed godman, on May 19 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The PMLA Court in Mumbai remanded him to ED custody for seven days, until May 26.

The ED, Mumbai Zonal Office, initiated the investigation following a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik City. The FIR was filed against Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat and others under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. Additional FIRs from Shirdi Police Station and Rahata Police Station, both in Ahilyanagar, were incorporated into the existing Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) for investigation under the PMLA.

The investigation revealed that Kharat operated a systematic extortion racket disguised as religious and spiritual practices. He purported to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, claiming supernatural powers and divine knowledge. Through staged rituals, deceptive practices, and emotional manipulation, he instilled fear of death and black magic among victims to extort significant sums of money and valuable assets under the pretext of “Avatar Pooja,” religious remedies, and spiritual guidance.

One investigation disclosed that approximately Rs. 5.62 crore was extorted from a complainant, encompassing expenses for a luxury Mercedes vehicle, foreign travel, medical treatment in the United States, and development of farmhouse properties at Kharat’s behest.

Further PMLA investigations revealed that the proceeds from extortion and cheating were laundered through multiple bank accounts, cooperative credit societies (Pat Sansthas), movable and immovable properties, and proxy accounts opened without the knowledge or consent of the account holders. Kharat controlled several benami accounts and fixed deposits via two cooperative credit societies, where substantial cash amounts were deposited, converted into fixed deposits, and withdrawn in cash. He exercised control over these accounts using his mobile number and nominee details, utilising the proceeds for property acquisitions.