In a separate case, police have alleged that a farmer was cheated of land worth around Rs 10 crore in a loan-related transaction. (File Photo)The Maharashtra Police investigating financial transactions linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat have found that he was listed as a nominee in more than 100 bank accounts, many of which were operated using mobile numbers associated with him, raising suspicion about control over funds routed through these accounts, officials said.The probe has identified over 130 accounts across two cooperative credit societies, with transactions exceeding Rs 60 crore between 2021 and 2024, which are now under scrutiny.The probe follows Kharat’s arrest on March 17, in connection with multiple cases, including charges of rape and provisions under the black magic law, officials said, adding that the financial probe is part of a wider investigation that began with complaints of sexual assault and cheating.The police said the accounts, including those in the Samata Credit Society of Shirdi and Jagdamba Credit Society of Sinnar, Nashik, were allegedly opened in the name of his followers, customers, and visitors and were used to carry out transactions related to money lending and land dealings, and to evade taxes. Officials said transactions of over Rs 60 crore were recorded in one society, while another accounted for over Rs 2.74 crore, with activity spread over multiple years.“Now we are verifying whether these accounts were opened with the consent of the individuals in whose names they appear, or whether they were opened illegally and are bogus,” a senior Nashik rural police officer said. “The scale of transactions is significant and is being examined in detail,” he added.Investigators said the accounts were linked through transaction trails and common identifiers, including mobile numbers, and that several accounts are suspected to be benami.In several cases, Kharat was listed as the nominee on the accounts, while the mobile numbers registered for these accounts were also linked to him, raising suspicion about the extent of control over these accounts, the police said.Story continues below this adRecords show that the Samata Credit Society is chaired by Arwind Bawke, who has been arrested in a separate land case in Shirdi. Kharat was also associated with the Jagdamba Credit Society, where he served as chairman.The police said the role of individuals linked to these institutions, as well as the nature of transactions routed through the accounts, is part of the ongoing probe.While officials said one of the accounts identified during the probe is in the name of a relative of Rupali Chakankar—the Nationalist Congress Party leader who quit as the state women’s commission chief—they declined to comment on specific individuals, citing the ongoing investigation.Investigators said the flow of funds into these accounts, including deposits made by individuals who visited Kharat, is also under analysis.Story continues below this adIn a separate case, police have alleged that a farmer was cheated of land worth around Rs 10 crore in a loan-related transaction.According to police sources, some dealings were allegedly conducted from hotels and lodges, where meetings and transactions were arranged. Officials said they are examining whether cash transactions were involved in certain instances.Officials said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and that a forensic audit is being considered to track fund flows.Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. 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