Nashik land deal linked to jailed godman Kharat under ED scanner

The case involves a two-hectare land parcel in Nashik, Maharashtra, which was under arbitration before being bought and then donated on the same day, prompting questions over pricing, the sequence of events and the role of linked entities.

Records reviewed from Index 2 (SNR 1468/2019) show that the land, with a stated market value of around Rs 16.1 lakh, was purchased for Rs 24 lakh. Within less than two hours, the same land was transferred.

“The purchase took place on May 4, 2019, at 1.12 pm and by 3.02 pm, the land had been donated by Hete to an institution linked to Kharat, identified as Shri Shivanik Sansthan,” as per documents seen by The Tribune.

At the time of donation, the declared value of the land was shown at approximately Rs 32-34 lakh, nearly doubling within hours of the initial transaction. Sources said the sequence -- purchase followed by immediate donation at a higher declared value -- is being examined by those tracking financial transactions, particularly in cases involving institutional transfers.

“The location of the land parcels has also come into focus. Records indicate that Shivnikar Trust holds plot No. 317, while the transacted land falls within adjoining plot Nos. 316-318. The proximity has raised questions over the selection of the land and whether adjoining parcels form part of a broader pattern,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, investigators are also looking into the ownership trail of the land, the basis of valuation within such a short window and whether similar transactions exist in nearby plots, sources added.

The matter gains significance as central agencies are already examining land and financial dealings linked to Kharat. Officials are expected to assess whether this transaction connects to a wider set of financial activities.

Sources further claimed that public records showed Hete had been associated with an extensive corporate network — around 39 companies at present and over 60 in the past. “Several of these entities operate in the real estate sector, including Valuable Land Developers Pvt Ltd, Valuable Builders & Developers Pvt Ltd, Valuable Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and Valuable Realtors Pvt Ltd. These linkages may also be examined if the scope of inquiry expands,” the sources said.

The sources indicated that scrutiny of the financial trail, valuation changes and institutional involvement would be central to determining if any legal or regulatory provisions were breached.

Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Mumbai Zonal Office conducted searches in the case of Ashok Kharat and others across Nashik, Pune and Shirdi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The search operations were carried out based on an FIR dated April 6 this year for extortion, fraud and abuse, with allegations of misuse of bank accounts, land investments and exploitation of victims.