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ED questions Pratibha Chakankar in Kharat case
The Enforcement Directorate questioned Pratibha Chakankar in Mumbai in connection with four Nashik-based savings accounts allegedly linked to Ashok Kharat as part of a money-laundering probe. The interview accompanies broader ED actions against Kharat, who has been arrested on multiple charges, with his associates and family implicating further inquiries. Pratibha denies wrongdoing, and her son was summoned for questioning but had not yet appeared.
Why It Matters
The probe ties a public figure's family member to a money-laundering investigation connected to a controversial figure, highlighting ongoing financial scrutiny over linked accounts and potential proceeds of crime.
Timeline
4 Events
ED questions Pratibha Chakankar; son summoned in Kharat case
May 4, 2026
Pratibha Chakankar, sister of Rupali Chakankar, was questioned by the ED in connection with four accounts in the Samatha Nagri Sahakari Pathsanstha linked to Kharat. Her statement was recorded as part of the money-laundering probe. The ED had summoned Pratibha's son for questioning; he had yet to present himself. Pratibha denies any wrongdoing.
ED initiates money-laundering probe into Kharat's accounts
April 6, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate initiated a money-laundering investigation against Kharat on April 6, examining his control of accounts at two Nashik-based cooperative credit societies, including four accounts in Samatha Nagri Sahakari Pathsanstha, with Kharat named as nominee and his mobile number linked to the accounts.
ED searches, freezes funds, and seizes cash related to Kharat-linked accounts
April 2026
In April, the ED conducted searches at locations linked to Kharat, his relatives and associates across Nashik, Pune and Shirdi. It froze bank funds worth around ₹2.4 crore, seized ₹42 lakh in suspected unaccounted cash, and recovered around 90 property documents estimated to be worth crores.
Kharat arrested in Nashik on charges including rape and money laundering
March 2026
Ashok Kharat was arrested in Nashik in March on charges including rape, sexual assault, promoting superstition, extortion and money laundering. The ED money-laundering probe was initiated on April 6.