Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with the Ashok Kharat case.

Searches were carried out at five places in Nashik, three in Shirdi, and three in Pune. The searches are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a widening probe into the self-styled godman recently uncovered a massive alleged financial network involving more than 130 bank accounts and transactions exceeding RS 63 crore, with fresh findings pointing towards possible administrative complicity.

The probe gathered pace earlier this month after a Mumbai-based hotelier was alerted by Ahilyanagar Police that over Rs 2.43 crore had been routed through four bank accounts opened in his and his wife’s names, accounts he claims he never authorised. The hotelier suspects that documents submitted to Kharat for a ‘darshan booking’ were misused to open these accounts without his knowledge.

“We approached him believing he was a spiritual healer,” the hotelier said, according to an Indian Express report, adding that neither he nor his family had any connection with the credit society where the accounts were created.

Investigators believe the case is part of a larger, organised operation. According to complaints and bank records examined during the probe, personal documents collected from followers, visitors, and even alleged victims were systematically used to open multiple bank accounts. These accounts were then allegedly used to route and circulate funds between 2021 and 2024.

Authorities have identified a consistent pattern in the modus operandi. Individuals visiting Kharat for spiritual consultations or predictions were asked to submit Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and photographs. These documents were then allegedly used to open bank accounts without consent, enabling large-scale financial transactions.

A large number of these accounts were reportedly opened under two cooperative credit societies, Jagdamba Cooperative Credit Society and Samata Nagari Sahakari Pat Sanstha, both linked to Kharat and his associates. Records show that Kharat served as chairman of the Jagdamba society until 2024, while the Samata society is associated with his co-accused Arvind Pandurang Bawke.

Investigators have traced over 100 suspect accounts to the Samata society and around 32 to Jagdamba. Further, Kharat has been listed as a nominee in at least 100 accounts, with his mobile number appearing across several of them, raising serious red flags.

The case, which initially began with allegations of sexual assault, cheating, extortion, and violations under anti-superstition laws, has now evolved into a major financial investigation. The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a money laundering case against Kharat.

Mumbai, April 13: At least nine people were killed, and two others sustained critical injuries after a dumper truck collided with a car in the Kalyan area of Mumbai on Monday, officials said.

The accident took place around 11 a.m. on the Rayta Bridge along the Kalyan-Murbad road, authorities mentioned.

According to preliminary information, the car was travelling from Kalyan when it collided head-on with a mixer truck.

The police stated that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while the injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Soon after the incident was reported, a team from the Titwala Police Station rushed to the spot and initiated rescue and relief operations.

Initial reports indicate that 12 passengers were travelling in the car at the time of the accident. Eight of the total passengers died on the spot, while one passed away at the hospital while receiving treatment. Locals rushed to the spot and tried to help the victims.

The vehicle was on its way to Murbad when the collision occurred near Rayta Bridge, close to Kalyan, according to the police.

Speaking to Media, Thane Superintendent of Police D.S. Swami confirmed the casualties, saying, “So far, nine people have lost their lives. Two individuals are injured and remain in critical condition; they are currently undergoing treatment.”

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. Preliminary information suggests that excessive speed or a loss of vehicle control may have been the cause of the mishap.

The collision also led to a massive traffic jam on the highway near the Rayta Bridge in the Titwala-Kalyan stretch, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement in the area, officials said.

Further details are awaited in the case.

Mumbai: The Dongri Police Station has registered a robbery case after a 38-year-old waiter was allegedly threatened at knifepoint and robbed of ₹8,000 in the early hours of Friday. In this case, Dongri Police have arrested three accused, identified as as Ramzan Shakeel Shaikh (22), Ibrahim Shamshodh Ahmed Shaikh (20), Aman Rakesh Shaikh (18), and Tajuddin Yajuddin Shaikh (22).

The complainant, Saddam Siddique Shaikh, a resident of Nandlal Jani Marg near a beer godown in Wadi Bunder, Dongri, stated that the incident occurred around 3:00 am on April 10, 2026.

According to the complaint, while the victim was asleep at his residence, four accused knocked on his door and called him outside. Once he stepped out, the accused identified as Ramzan Shakeel Shaikh (22), Ibrahim Shamshodh Ahmed Shaikh (20), Aman Rakesh Shaikh (18), and Tajuddin Yajuddin Shaikh (22)—allegedly threatened him with a knife and forcibly took ₹8,000 from his pocket.

Based on the complaint,Dongri police registered an FIR under Sections 309(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police have arrested three accused Ramzan Shaikh, Aman Shaikh, and Tajuddin Shaikh while one accused, Ibrahim Shaikh, remains absconding.

The arrested accused have been remanded to police custody until April 13. The case is being investigated by PSI Gokul Shinde. Further investigation is underway.