The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Nationalist Congress Party leader <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/ashok-kharat-case-sit-questions-former-womens-panel-chief-rupali-chakankar-in-self-styled-godman-ashok-kharat-case-23629780" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Rupali Chakankar</a> for questioning in connection with the alleged rape and money laundering case involving self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, reported ANI.
Officials 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 ANI.
The ED had earlier questioned Chakankar&rsquo;s sister in relation to the same case as investigators widened their probe into the financial and operational links surrounding Kharat and his associates.
The summons comes amid an expanding investigation into allegations of extortion, financial fraud, intimidation and sexual exploitation linked to the Nashik-based astrologer.
<h2>Ashok Kharat facing rape and extortion allegations</h2>
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-ed-probes-godman-ashok-kharat-for-money-laundering-under-pmla-23625508" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Ashok Kharat</a> was arrested earlier in connection with allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 35-year-old woman over several years under the pretext of spiritual guidance.
According 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 ANI.
The case was registered at Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik district.
Earlier, a Nashik court had sent Kharat to judicial custody till April 20 after the completion of his police custody period.
Advocate 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 custody.
<h2>ED probes financial transactions and alleged bogus accounts</h2>
The <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ashok-kharat-case-ed-conducts-fresh-raids-in-nashik-district-of-maharashtra-23626211" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Enforcement Directorate</a> said it has been conducting searches under Section 17 of the PMLA as part of its investigation into the alleged financial operations connected to Kharat.
According 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 ANI.
However, investigators claim Kharat remained the nominee for all these accounts and linked his own mobile number to them, thereby maintaining operational control over the accounts.
The ED suspects these accounts may have been used to route proceeds allegedly generated through extortion and fraudulent activities.
<h2>Agency alleges victims were misled through religious claims</h2>
The ED has further alleged that Kharat sold ordinary items by projecting them as &ldquo;blessed objects&rdquo; possessing divine healing powers, reported ANI.
Investigators claim victims were persuaded to purchase such items based on religious manipulation and promises of spiritual or physical benefits.
According to <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/nashik-court-remands-godman-ashok-kharat-to-5-day-police-custody-in-fourth-rape-case-23625720" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">the agency</a>, substantial funds collected through these activities, along with alleged extortion proceeds, were later invested in land parcels.
The ED alleged that chartered accountant Prakash Pophale and Kharat&rsquo;s sons were involved in handling some of these property transactions.
<h2>Probe expands into wider financial and criminal network</h2>
Investigators are now examining whether a larger network of associates helped facilitate the alleged financial transactions and operational activities linked to Kharat.
Kharat, who served as chairman of the Shri Ishanyeshwar Temple Trust in Sinnar, was known among several influential and public figures in Maharashtra.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/godman-ashok-kharat-gets-14-day-judicial-custody-in-second-rape-case-23624731" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Officials</a> 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 case.
(With inputs from ANI)

The ED has summoned Nationalist Congress Party leader Rupali Chakankar for questioning in connection with the alleged rape and money laundering case

ED summons NCP leader Rupali Chakankar in Ashok Kharat money laundering probe

Medical association moves Supreme Court over NEET-UG 2026 cancellation

Officials 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)

ED summons NCP leader Rupali Chakankar in godman Ashok Kharat case

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / News / India News / Article / ED summons NCP leader Rupali Chakankar in godman Ashok Kharat case