Activist Demands Inquiry Against Senior Police Officer Over Links to Accused Godman
In a significant development, activist Anjali Damania has raised serious allegations against a senior police officer from Nashik, claiming his involvement with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who faces multiple charges including sexual assault and cheating. Damania has called for a departmental vigilance inquiry against the officer, intensifying the scrutiny around Kharat's controversial case.
Allegations of Police Officer's Presence at Kharat's Event
Damania, in a post on social media platform X on Monday, shared a video and photograph showing Nashik Range Inspector General of Police Dattatray Karale at an event where Ashok Kharat was also present. She questioned Karale's decision to attend and deliver a speech at such a gathering, arguing that it undermines public trust in law enforcement. "Dattatray Karale is an IG-level police officer, then why did he attend the programme of such a person and even deliver a speech? When common people see this, why would they not believe him?" Damania stated, demanding accountability from the police hierarchy.
She further alleged that there are as many as 18 calls linked to Karale in connection with the case, urging Director General of Police Sadanand Date to seek answers. Despite repeated attempts, Karale did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment, adding to the controversy.
Congress MP Warns of Possible Encounter and Ruling Establishment Links
Meanwhile, Congress MP Praniti Shinde has escalated the political dimensions of the scandal by raising the possibility of an "encounter" killing of Ashok Kharat. Shinde suggested that as the investigation progresses, names from the current ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, including state ministers, could surface, leading to drastic measures. "I feel he (Kharat) may be killed in an encounter, as many names are going to come forward during the investigation. Some of them could be part of the current ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, including state ministers," she said, criticizing the government's contradictory stance on supporting women.
Background on Ashok Kharat's Legal Troubles
Ashok Kharat is currently in police custody and is being investigated in multiple cases, primarily involving sexual assaults and cheating. The Enforcement Directorate has also stepped in, probing an alleged money laundering angle and conducting raids on entities linked to the accused. This multi-agency investigation highlights the severity and complexity of the charges against him.
Political Reactions and Calls for Restraint
In response to the allegations, Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged restraint and cooperation with the ongoing probe. He criticized those making sensational statements, such as the "encounter" remark, for seeking media attention instead of providing useful information. "Instead of making statements such as ‘encounter' to gain media attention, they should submit any information to the Special Investigation Team set up by the state government," Bawankule said, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior from public representatives.
Further Allegations Involving Bank Accounts and Communications
In another social media post, Damania accused Pratibha Chakankar, sister of former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, of making false claims regarding alleged fake accounts and signatures. Damania asserted that KYC-verified accounts cannot be fake and cited call data records showing 236 calls and 218 messages exchanged over nearly a year, questioning how such interactions could be fabricated.
She also referred to alleged communication involving Pratibha Chakankar's son, raising doubts about the authenticity of denials in the case. Police have since questioned Pratibha Chakankar regarding the alleged use of her bank account by Kharat, with accounts in her and her son's names at Samata Credit Cooperative Society under scrutiny for details.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The allegations have sparked a broader debate on police integrity and political accountability in Maharashtra. With demands for inquiries and fears of violent outcomes, the case continues to unfold, drawing attention from various stakeholders. The state government's Special Investigation Team is actively investigating, while public figures call for transparency and justice in this sensitive matter.
