15 April,2026 04:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Activist Anjali Damania. Pic/X
Activist Anjali Damania on Wednesday demanded that Rupali Chakankar be summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.
The SIT was constituted by the Maharashtra government to investigate multiple cases against Kharat, including sexual assault and cheating.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Damania claimed she possesses call data records indicating repeated communication between Chakankar and Kharat.
She alleged that 177 calls were exchanged between the two, including one conversation lasting over 20 minutes in a single day. Based on these claims, Damania said it was necessary for investigators to formally question Chakankar.
"Even after a month, she has not been summoned. I will demand before the SIT that she be called for questioning," Damania said.
Damania also released a list of alleged phone interactions involving Kharat and several politicians and government officials, suggesting that his influence extended across multiple circles.
She claimed that while some individuals may have approached Kharat for personal or spiritual reasons, others may have had more specific motives.
According to Damania, the circumstances surrounding Kharat's rise warrant a deeper probe into possible connections and support systems.
The activist further alleged lapses in police action, particularly regarding Kharat's wife, Kalpana Kharat, who is currently absconding.
She questioned why surveillance measures were not adequately enforced, suggesting the possibility of negligence or deliberate inaction that may have aided individuals linked to the case.
Damania also criticised Chakankar's earlier remarks describing the issue as a "media trial," asserting that the call data in her possession justified a thorough and impartial investigation.
In a related development, police earlier questioned Pratibha Chakankar, sister of Rupali Chakankar, in connection with alleged use of her bank account by Kharat.
Investigators are examining financial transactions as part of the broader probe, alongside criminal allegations against the accused.
Kharat, who remains in police custody, is facing multiple criminal cases, including sexual assault and cheating. The Enforcement Directorate is also probing a suspected money laundering angle and has conducted raids at locations linked to him.
The case has triggered a political and legal controversy in Maharashtra, with allegations, counter-allegations, and demands for accountability continuing to emerge.
Authorities have maintained that the investigation is ongoing, with the SIT expected to examine all relevant evidence, including call records and financial transactions, before drawing conclusions.
(With inputs from Agencies)
