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PMLA court issues production warrant against godman Kharat in ₹70 crore money laundering case
A Mumbai special PMLA court issued a production warrant on May 11, 2026, directing Nashik jail to produce Ashok Kharat before the court on May 18. Kharat had been arrested and jailed in Nashik in mid-March 2026 in connection with a ₹70 crore money laundering case and related allegations, while the ED's case accuses a large extortion racket and benami transactions. Investigations and ongoing probes, including a SIT inquiry into 12 cases, are linked to the broader allegations against him.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing money laundering investigations in India, the use of production warrants to secure custody for ED probes, and persistent allegations of sexual and financial exploitation tied to a controversial figure.
Timeline
4 Events
Production warrant issued; Kharat to be produced on May 18
May 11, 2026
A Special PMLA court in Mumbai issued a production warrant against Kharat and directed Nashik Central Jail to produce him before the special judge on May 18, with adequate police protection and security arrangements. The ED had previously sought a production warrant under applicable statutes to secure his presence.
SIT probes into 12 cases against Kharat
May 2026
A Special Investigation Team is conducting probe into 12 cases of sexual exploitation and financial fraud registered against Kharat in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.
ED files PMLA case against Kharat; cognisance of Nashik FIR
April 6, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate filed a criminal case against Kharat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, taking cognisance of a Nashik Police FIR on charges including extortion, religious manipulation, and drug-facilitated assault on multiple women victims. The ED also alleged a ₹70 crore money-laundering operation through benami bank accounts and other schemes.
Kharat arrested and lodged in Nashik jail
March 15, 2026
Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat was arrested and placed in Nashik jail after being held in mid-March 2026 in connection with the ₹70 crore money laundering case and related FIRs.