ED Raids Properties Linked to ‘Bhondu Baba’
Nashik: The case of alleged "Bhondu Baba" Ashok Kharat, who emerged from Nashik, Maharashtra, has now become one of the country's biggest sex and blackmailing scandals. Amid allegations of sexual exploitation of women in the name of tantra-mantra, blackmailing them by making obscene videos, and defrauding them of crores of rupees, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation.
The ED filed an ECIR against Ashok Kharat and his associates and raided five locations in Nashik, three in Pune, and three in Shirdi. Documents, digital evidence, and property records were examined. The agency suspects the case is not limited to sexual crimes but also involves large-scale money laundering.
The Maharashtra Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) is already investigating this case. Eleven FIRs have been filed against Ashok Kharat in various police stations across the state. These include serious allegations such as rape, sexual exploitation, fraud, land grabbing, and illegal property deals. The police and ED are now jointly investigating the entire network.
According to investigating agencies, approximately 52 properties belonging to Kharat and his close associates are under investigation. It is suspected that these properties were purchased with illegal proceeds. The ED is investigating the money laundering angle to determine where the money earned through blackmailing and fraud was invested.
More than 10 rape cases have been registered so far in this case. The investigation has revealed the discovery of more than 58 pornographic video clips, which were uploaded to approximately 170 websites. More than 100 women have filed complaints via phone, further increasing the seriousness of the matter.
The victimized women allege that Ashok Kharat lured them into his trap under the guise of tantra-mantra and astrology. He first promised to solve their problems, then lured them to his hideouts and exploited them. In many cases, videos were made to blackmail them and extort money.
As the investigation progresses, new revelations are emerging. With the ED's involvement, the financial implications of this entire network are also expected to be exposed. This case has emerged as a major warning against crimes committed in the name of superstition.
