ED summons NCP leader Rupali Chakankar in godman Ashok Kharat case

The Enforcement Directorate ED has summoned Nationalist Congress Party leader Rupali Chakankar for questioning in connection with the alleged rape and money laundering case involving selfproclaimed godman Ashok Kharat reported ANIOfficials said Chakankar has been directed to appear before the agency later this week as part of the ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act PMLA reported ANIThe ED had earlier questioned Chakankarrsquos sister in relation to the same case as investigators widened their probe into the financial and operational links surrounding Kharat and his associatesThe summons comes amid an expanding investigation into allegations of extortion financial fraud intimidation and sexual exploitation linked to the Nashikbased astrologerAshok Kharat facing rape and extortion allegationsAshok Kharat was arrested earlier in connection with allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 35yearold woman over several years under the pretext of spiritual guidanceAccording to police the complainant alleged that Kharat exploited and manipulated her between 2022 and December 2025 while using threats and psychological pressure to continue the abuse reported ANIThe case was registered at Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik districtEarlier a Nashik court had sent Kharat to judicial custody till April 20 after the completion of his police custody periodAdvocate Shailendra Bagde told ANI that Kharat had already been in police custody for five days in connection with the matter before being remanded to judicial custodyED probes financial transactions and alleged bogus accountsThe Enforcement Directorate said it has been conducting searches under Section 17 of the PMLA as part of its investigation into the alleged financial operations connected to KharatAccording to the agency preliminary findings suggest Kharat allegedly opened multiple bank accounts in the names of different individuals through two cooperative credit societies in Nashik district reported ANIHowever investigators claim Kharat remained the nominee for all these accounts and linked his own mobile number to them thereby maintaining operational control over the accountsThe ED suspects these accounts may have been used to route proceeds allegedly generated through extortion and fraudulent activitiesAgency alleges victims were misled through religious claimsThe ED has further alleged that Kharat sold ordinary items by projecting them as ldquoblessed objectsrdquo possessing divine healing powers reported ANIInvestigators claim victims were persuaded to purchase such items based on religious manipulation and promises of spiritual or physical benefitsAccording to the agency substantial funds collected through these activities along with alleged extortion proceeds were later invested in land parcelsThe ED alleged that chartered accountant Prakash Pophale and Kharatrsquos sons were involved in handling some of these property transactionsProbe expands into wider financial and criminal networkInvestigators are now examining whether a larger network of associates helped facilitate the alleged financial transactions and operational activities linked to KharatKharat who served as chairman of the Shri Ishanyeshwar Temple Trust in Sinnar was known among several influential and public figures in MaharashtraOfficials said the investigation remains ongoing and further questioning financial scrutiny and possible searches may follow as the ED continues to trace money trails connected to the caseWith inputs from ANI