ED Arrests ‘Captain’ in Shocking ₹13 Crore Black Magic Money Laundering Case

New Delhi-Mumbai : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, has arrested self-styled godman Ashokkumar Eknath Kharat, popularly known as “Captain,” under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The arrest was made on May 19, 2026, following an extensive investigation into allegations of extortion, cheating, black magic practices, and laundering of illegally acquired wealth.

The accused was produced before the Hon’ble PMLA Court in Mumbai, which remanded him to ED custody for seven days until May 26, 2026, to facilitate further interrogation and investigation.

Multiple FIRs Trigger ED Investigation Captain

The ED initiated its probe on the basis of an FIR registered at Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik City against Ashokkumar Kharat and several others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case also invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.

Subsequently, additional FIRs lodged at Shirdi Police Station and Rahata Police Station in Ahilyanagar district were merged into the existing Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), enabling the ED to expand its money laundering investigation under PMLA.

According to officials, the accused allegedly ran a large-scale extortion network by presenting himself as a spiritual figure possessing supernatural powers and divine authority.

Claimed to Be an Incarnation of Lord Shiva

Investigators revealed that Ashokkumar Kharat allegedly projected himself as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and convinced followers that he possessed divine abilities capable of curing illnesses, removing black magic, and preventing death or misfortune.

The ED stated that the accused allegedly created fear among victims through staged rituals, emotional manipulation, occult practices, and psychological pressure. Victims were reportedly persuaded into spending massive amounts of money on so-called “Avatar Pooja,” spiritual remedies, religious rituals, and personal guidance sessions.

Officials alleged that the accused manipulated emotionally vulnerable individuals and exploited their fears for financial gain.

Luxury Lifestyle Funded Through Alleged Extortion

The investigation uncovered several instances where victims allegedly spent crores of rupees at the direction of the accused.

In one major case, a complainant reportedly spent approximately Rs. 5.62 crore on behalf of the accused. The expenditure allegedly included the purchase of a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle, foreign trips, medical treatment in the United States, and the development of farmhouse properties.

Investigators suspect that the accused systematically used fear-based tactics to force devotees and followers into making expensive purchases and transferring funds.

Complex Money Laundering Network Uncovered

The ED investigation further revealed that proceeds generated through extortion and cheating were allegedly laundered using a sophisticated financial network.

Officials stated that the accused and his associates allegedly routed funds through multiple bank accounts, cooperative credit societies (Pat Sansthas), proxy accounts, fixed deposits, and benami properties.

Several accounts were reportedly opened in the names of unsuspecting individuals without their knowledge or consent. Investigators alleged that these accounts were used to deposit and rotate illegal funds in an attempt to conceal their origin.

The agency also discovered that large cash deposits were allegedly converted into fixed deposits through cooperative societies and later withdrawn in cash to avoid detection.

According to investigators, the accused exercised operational control over many of these accounts using his personal mobile number and nominee details.

Benami Properties and Financial Assets Under Scanner

The ED suspects that the proceeds of crime were invested in multiple movable and immovable assets across Maharashtra and possibly other states.

Investigators are currently examining property documents, land records, luxury assets, investment portfolios, and financial transactions linked to the accused and his close associates.

Authorities believe that several properties may have been purchased in the names of relatives, associates, and proxies to hide the actual ownership and source of funds.

Massive Search Operations Conducted

The Enforcement Directorate conducted a series of coordinated search operations under Section 17 of the PMLA at various locations connected to the accused.

Searches were carried out on April 13, 14, 17, 23, May 5, and May 18, 2026, at residential premises, commercial establishments, vehicles, and bank lockers linked to Ashokkumar Kharat and his associates.

During these raids, ED officials recovered and seized:

• Cash amounting to approximately Rs. 13.92 crore
• Foreign currency worth USD 5,500 (approximately Rs. 5.11 lakh)
• Gold and silver jewellery valued at around Rs. 1.12 crore
• Bank balances worth approximately Rs. 2.25 crore
• One high-end Mercedes-Benz vehicle bearing registration number MH15GL8181

Officials also recovered several incriminating documents, digital devices, financial records, and property-related documents that are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.

Victims Allegedly Manipulated Through Fear and Rituals

Investigators stated that the accused allegedly used a combination of psychological manipulation, staged spiritual performances, and fear-based messaging to maintain influence over followers.

Victims were allegedly told that failure to follow the accused’s instructions could result in illness, family tragedy, financial ruin, or even death.

Officials suspect that many victims remained silent for years due to fear, emotional dependence, and social pressure.

The case has once again highlighted growing concerns over fraudulent spiritual operators exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of religion and supernatural claims.

Cooperative Societies Under Investigation

The role of cooperative credit societies allegedly used in laundering funds has also come under scrutiny.

According to ED officials, these societies were allegedly used to park large amounts of cash and create fixed deposits before routing funds through layered transactions.

Investigators are now examining whether employees or officials of these societies knowingly assisted the accused in concealing illicit proceeds.

Financial records and transaction histories are being analyzed to trace the complete money trail.

Digital Evidence Strengthens Case

Sources indicated that investigators recovered substantial digital evidence during the searches, including mobile phones, laptops, storage devices, transaction details, and communication records.

The digital evidence is expected to help establish links between the accused, associates, victims, and financial transactions connected to the alleged extortion racket.

The ED is also examining social media activities, promotional content, and digital communication used to attract followers and maintain influence.

Legal Proceedings Continue

The arrest of Ashokkumar Kharat marks a significant development in the case, but officials stated that the investigation is still at a crucial stage.

The ED is expected to conduct detailed custodial interrogation to identify additional beneficiaries, uncover hidden assets, and determine the full extent of the money laundering network.

Authorities are also likely to examine whether more individuals, including financial facilitators or close associates, were involved in managing the alleged illegal operations.

Rising Concern Over Fake Spiritual Gurus

The case has reignited debate across Maharashtra regarding the rise of self-proclaimed godmen and fraudulent spiritual figures exploiting public faith for financial gain.

Activists and social organizations have long demanded stricter action against individuals promoting black magic, superstition, and exploitative spiritual practices.

Law enforcement agencies believe that stronger awareness campaigns and prompt reporting by victims are essential to preventing such crimes.

ED Continues Probe

The Enforcement Directorate has confirmed that further investigation is currently underway. Officials are expected to continue tracing assets, examining financial transactions, and questioning individuals linked to the accused.

More searches, seizures, and arrests are possible as investigators work to unravel the complete network behind the alleged extortion and money laundering operations.