Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet before a special court in Mumbai against Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat, his wife Kalpna Kharat, and four others in a money-laundering case. Kharat is accused of exploiting people’s spiritual faith to run the alleged laundering operation. In connection with the case, the ED attached assets worth approximately Rs 37 crore.ED accused Kharat, also called Captain and Bondhu Baba, of laundering money through two cooperative credit societies by fraudulently operating multiple accounts in connivance with an employee and through multiple benami accounts for large cash deposits and subsequent withdrawals..The ED recorded statements of NCP politician Rupali Chakankar in the case. Rupali, who quit as chairperson of the state women’s commission following Kharat’s arrest, was one of the trustees of Shivnika Trust founded by him. Chakankar was forced to resign from the commission’s post due to her association with Kharat.ED said that the laundered funds were retained with trusted associates or invested in immovable properties across Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Pune and Mumbai in the names of his family members.The ED alleged Kharat opened 60 bank accounts in the two credit societies using followers’ documents without consent, with 43 opened in a single day. All accounts were linked to his mobile number, giving him control over the funds. The ED said cash deposits of over Rs 9 crore were routed through these accounts and described them as proceeds of crime from organised extortion and religious manipulation.
