As part of the investigation, Satpute questioned Kharat for nearly two hours, though no specific details of the interrogation have been disclosed so far. Officials indicated that further information will be shared once the probe progresses and more evidence is gathered.
The case has taken a more complex turn with the emergence of an extortion angle. A woman filed a complaint in Shirdi stating that she received objectionable photos and videos of herself from an unknown number, along with threats that the content would be made public unless she paid money. According to her statement, the accused, identified as Neeraj Jadhav, was associated with Kharat’s Nashik office. Police are now investigating whether Jadhav acted independently or under Kharat’s direction.
Authorities have registered a case in connection with the extortion complaint, though Jadhav has not yet been arrested. Investigators believe his arrest will be crucial in establishing the extent of the network and any direct links to Kharat.
Meanwhile, searches conducted by the Nashik Crime Branch at Kharat’s residence led to the seizure of a pistol, cartridges, and approximately Rs 6.5 lakh in cash. The probe has also uncovered a significant financial trail, with officials estimating that Kharat has amassed assets worth around Rs 200 crore over the past 15 years.
These assets include large parcels of land in Nashik district, such as approximately 30 acres in Pathardi valued at around Rs 150 crore and additional land holdings in Sinnar. Investigators have also identified multiple properties registered in the names of his family members, including his wife, daughter, and relatives, with land transactions exceeding Rs 30 crore.
Further assets under scrutiny include a farmhouse valued at over Rs 10 crore near the Ishaneshwar temple, land near Ozar airport worth several crores, a bungalow in Karmayogi Nagar, and a commercial office property. The temple trust linked to him is also being examined, with reports indicating an annual turnover of around Rs 2 crore.
The SIT is now focusing on both the criminal allegations and the financial aspects of the case, including the source of funds and possible misuse of influence. Investigators are also working to determine whether a wider network of individuals was involved in the alleged activities.
