ED produces alleged godman Ashok Kharat before Mumbai PMLA court in ₹70 crore case

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:46:51 +0000

Enforcement Directorate officials on Tuesday produced alleged godman Ashok Kharat before a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Mumbai in connection with an alleged ₹70 crore money laundering case.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the case is linked to alleged financial irregularities, suspected illegal transactions and laundering of funds through multiple channels. The Enforcement Directorate is probing the movement of money and possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

ED teams reportedly carried out searches and collected financial records as part of the ongoing investigation before producing Kharat before the special court.

Officials said investigators are examining alleged fund transfers, financial dealings and associated entities connected to the case. The agency is also reportedly looking into the source of funds and possible beneficiaries linked to the alleged transactions under scrutiny.

The Special PMLA Court heard submissions from ED officials regarding the investigation and related custody proceedings. Further details regarding the court’s observations and the next hearing were awaited at the time of publication.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the complete details of the predicate offence linked to the money laundering case. Under PMLA investigations, the ED typically examines financial trails originating from scheduled offences registered by other law enforcement agencies.

The case has drawn attention due to the large amount allegedly involved and the profile of the accused.

Money laundering investigations by the ED often involve scrutiny of bank accounts, shell entities, property transactions and digital financial records. Officials said the probe remains ongoing and additional evidence is being examined.

No detailed public response from Ashok Kharat or his legal representatives was immediately available regarding the allegations.

The Enforcement Directorate has intensified action in recent months in multiple financial crime and laundering investigations across different states involving alleged fraud, illegal fund transfers and economic offences.

Further developments in the case are expected after the court proceedings and continuation of the financial investigation.

SpecialCourt | Business Upturn

ED produces alleged godman Ashok Kharat before Mumbai PMLA court in ₹70 crore case