SIT questions NCP leader Chakankar in Ashok Kharat case

A team of senior SIT officials, headed by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, questioned Rupali Chakankar at the Maharashtra Police Academy premises in Nashik for about six hours. Chakankar told investigators that she knew Kharat since 2018 and had been in touch since then, and claimed she was unaware of his alleged misconduct, including the sexual exploitation of women seeking help for better fortune. She was also asked about any financial dealings with Kharat after their association, and about the activities of the temple trust headed by Kharat in which she was a trustee; SIT indicated it could summon her again for further questioning.

Chakankar's sister Pratibha Chakankar was questioned by Shirdi police in connection with four bogus accounts allegedly opened by Kharat in Pratibha's and her son's names at a credit cooperative society in Rahata, Ahilyanagar. Investigators stated Kharat is suspected of conducting transactions worth over ₹1.20 crore through these accounts.

Ashok Kharat was arrested by the Nashik police on March 18, 2026. Following his arrest, photographs and videos circulated on social media showing Rupali Chakankar's association with him, including visuals of Chakankar washing Kharat's feet and holding an umbrella for him.