The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday questioned Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) politician Rupali Chakankar in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to Nashik-based astrologer and rape accused Ashok Kharat. Chakankar was present at the ED office for approximately eight hours to record her statement.
Questioning of Family Members
The agency also summoned Tanmay Chakankar, the son of Rupali's sister Pratibha Chakankar, for questioning on the same day. Prior to this, the ED had already recorded Pratibha's statement as part of the ongoing probe.
Role as Trustee
Rupali Chakankar, who resigned as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women following Kharat's arrest, was one of the trustees of the Shivnika Trust founded by Kharat. The ED has been investigating the financial connections between the Chakankar family and Kharat, as well as his trust.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The ED is examining four accounts opened in the names of Pratibha and Tanmay Chakankar at a credit society, which are allegedly controlled by Kharat. In the case against Kharat, the agency has traced a series of transactions involving a total cash deposit of Rs 50 lakh in two savings accounts belonging to Pratibha and Tanmay.
According to the ED, the deposited amount was subsequently transferred to two fixed deposit accounts. The funds were then prematurely withdrawn and returned to the original savings accounts, along with an interest of Rs 1 lakh on each deposit. Finally, the money was allegedly withdrawn. The ED has alleged that although the accounts were in the names of Pratibha and Tanmay, Kharat exercised control over them.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is part of a broader probe into the financial dealings of Ashok Kharat, who faces serious charges including rape. The ED continues to gather evidence and examine the flow of funds linked to the astrologer and his associates.
