Godman's Family Tangled in Nashik Real Estate Scandal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), investigating an alleged money-laundering network linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, has unearthed a significant real estate angle. According to officials, the agency has found that members of Kharat’s family are allegedly involved in construction ventures in Nashik.

During recent searches at Kharat’s premises, the ED recovered documents related to nearly 80 properties. This discovery has widened the scope of the probe to include suspected investments in the real estate sector. A prominent builder has already been questioned in connection with the case.

Officials revealed that the ED is examining documents which allegedly show that Kharat’s daughter holds a stake in a Nashik-based construction firm. The agency is also investigating a township project in the Ozar area of Nashik, which is reportedly being developed in association with a builder and linked to Kharat’s family.

During the searches, investigators found land agreements, including one where a payment of around Rs 90 lakh was allegedly made to a landowner identified as Smita Raskar. The ED has frozen approximately Rs 60 lakh of this amount as part of the ongoing probe.

The agency is also scrutinizing the role of a firm called Mahalaxmi Developers, in which Kharat’s daughter is allegedly a partner. Another individual, Rahul Deshmukh, who is said to be a relative of Kharat, has also been questioned regarding his involvement with the firm. The ED has sought details from Deshmukh about the source of funds and the nature of Kharat’s alleged share in the deal.

Investigators are thoroughly examining land records, development agreements, and revenue entries to verify ownership history and transaction patterns. They are also probing whether land valuations and financial inflows align with market benchmarks. Efforts to contact Rahul Deshmukh for further details have been unsuccessful.

This case highlights the complex web of financial and real estate interests that can be intertwined with religious figures and their families, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.