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ED moves Mumbai special court for custody of rape-accused godman in money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate sought a production warrant from a special PMLA court in Mumbai to take into custody self-styled godman-astrologer Ashok Kharat, who faces rape and fraud charges. The ED had earlier filed a money-laundering case against him on the basis of a Nashik police FIR alleging extortion, religious manipulation, and drug-facilitated assaults on multiple women.
Why It Matters
This marks a significant step in the ED's investigation into money laundering linked to a controversial figure, and could affect custody and further proceedings in the case.
Timeline
2 Events
May 2, 2026
May 2, 2026
The ED moved a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking a production warrant to obtain custody of Ashok Kharat in the money laundering case.
April 6, 2026
April 6, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate filed a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against self-styled godman-cum-astrologer Ashok Kharat, taking cognisance of a Nashik police FIR that accuses him of extortion, religious manipulation, and drug-facilitated assault on multiple women.