Rupali Chakankar, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission (MSCW), appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Nashik for questioning on 10 May 2026 in connection with the ongoing probe into the widely reported ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat case.
Chakankar, who resigned from her post and as head of the NCP women’s wing earlier amid controversy over her association with Kharat, was summoned by the SIT to clarify her relationship with the arrested self-styled godman and to answer questions on possible financial and organisational links with him.
Ashok Kharat, a self-styled astrologer and spiritual figure, has been arrested and is being investigated under multiple cases, including sexual assault, exploitation and financial fraud in Nashik and surrounding districts. A Special Investigation Team was formed by the Maharashtra government to investigate at least a dozen FIRs related to these allegations.
Chakankar co-operated with SIT investigators, providing statements about her past contact with Kharat and her involvement as a trustee of a trust linked to him. Authorities are also scrutinising financial transactions and alleged use of family bank accounts as part of their investigation.
Officials said the SIT may call her again for further questioning as the probe continues, with investigators aiming to fully uncover the extent of contacts, financial links and potential influence networks associated with the accused godman and his operations.
