Mumbai: New facts are coming out in the case of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. Police have found suspicious money activity in a credit society in Rahata.
As per the investigation, about ₹2.40 crore was moved through four bank accounts opened in the name of Pratibha Chakanakar and her nephew. Ashok Kharat was named as the nominee in all these accounts.
On Monday, Pratibha Chakanakar was questioned by Shirdi police. After the inquiry, she clearly said that she did not open any account. She also said the signatures are not hers and the accounts are fake. She added that she has not done any money transaction. According to her, Kharat had taken her documents in the name of religious visits, and those documents might have been used to open accounts without her knowledge.
Her lawyer, Jayshree Kale-Palwe, said that both Pratibha and her nephew never visited the credit society. She also said wrong address details were used while opening the accounts. They have given signature samples to the police and are ready to help in the investigation. She also said that there is no proof that these accounts belong to her clients.
Police have also found a bigger issue in this case. Around 100 accounts were opened in the names of 57 people in the same society. Many people have told police that they don’t even know about these accounts. In most of these accounts, Ashok Kharat is the nominee.
Apart from money fraud, Kharat is also accused of cheating and exploiting women. Police are still investigating the case, and more details may come out soon.