Godman scam shock: Rupali Chakankar’s sister questioned over Rs 62 crore bank trail

Mumbai: Pratibha Chakankar, sister of NCP leader Rupali Chakankar, was questioned for several hours at the Shirdi police station in Ahilyanagar district on Monday.

Officials said the questioning is part of a widening investigation into financial transactions linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. Police are attempting to establish whether her bank account was knowingly used or misused by the accused.

Focus on accounts held in her and her son’s names

Investigators are closely examining accounts in the names of Pratibha Chakankar and her son Tanmay in the Samata Credit Cooperative Society. Officials said the questioning is aimed at understanding how these accounts were opened, who operated them, and whether proper documentation and authorisation were followed during transactions.

According to police, Ashok Kharat allegedly created a network of 132 bank accounts across two cooperative credit societies using different identities. These accounts reportedly handled transactions totalling at least Rs 62.74 crore. Investigators suspect that this network may have been used to route funds in a structured manner to avoid detection.

One of the key findings of the probe is that an account opened in the name of Pratibha Chakankar was allegedly operated by Kharat himself. Officials said that Kharat was listed as the nominee in all such accounts, and his mobile number was used during the account opening process, raising serious questions about compliance and oversight by the financial institutions involved.

The bank account details emerged during the investigation into a land-grabbing case involving Kharat, his wife Kalpana Kharat, and three others. Police allege that the accused took control of land belonging to a Shirdi-based individual by offering a loan of Rs 5.52 crore and then using legal and financial mechanisms to gain possession of the property.

Role of middlemen and ongoing arrests

So far, two middlemen allegedly involved in facilitating the land deal and financial transactions have been arrested. Officials believe these intermediaries played a crucial role in coordinating between victims and the accused. Meanwhile, Kalpana Kharat and another accused remain absconding, and efforts are underway to trace their whereabouts.

Police have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Kalpana Kharat amid concerns that she may attempt to leave the country. Authorities are monitoring travel records and coordinating with immigration agencies to prevent any escape.

Ashok Kharat was first arrested by Nashik police on March 18 in a case involving allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman over a period of three years. During the course of that investigation, police uncovered additional allegations pointing to a broader pattern of criminal activity.

Multiple serious charges under investigation

The case has since expanded to include allegations of sexual exploitation, land grabbing, financial fraud, and cheating people under the guise of black magic practices. Investigators are examining financial records, victim statements, and property documents to build a comprehensive case.

The role of cooperative credit societies is also under investigation, particularly regarding how such a large number of accounts were opened under different names with common contact details. Authorities are expected to examine whether there were lapses in due diligence or possible internal collusion.

Political implications and Rupali Chakankar’s resignation

The developments have had political repercussions, leading Rupali Chakankar to resign last month from her positions as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women and head of the NCP’s state women’s wing. The resignation followed reports of her alleged links to Kharat.

Rupali Chakankar has maintained that she has no direct or indirect connection with Ashok Kharat’s financial dealings or alleged crimes. As of now, officials have not indicated any charges against her, and the investigation remains focused on tracing financial links and accountability.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on identifying all individuals involved, tracing the movement of funds, and determining whether identities were misused. Further questioning and forensic analysis of financial data are expected in the coming days as police work to unravel the full extent of the alleged network.
(With PTI inputs)