Nashik: Sister of Former Women's Commission Chairperson Interrogated in Multi-Crore Astrologer Fraud Case
In a significant development in a high-profile financial fraud investigation, Pratibha Chakankar, the sister of former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, along with her son Tanmay, underwent nearly six hours of intensive interrogation at the Shirdi police station on Monday. The questioning centered on four accounts held in their names at a credit society in Rahata, Ahilyanagar, which recorded transactions exceeding Rs 2 crore.
Background of the Investigation
The Shirdi police are currently probing two separate cases of cheating and illegal money lending registered against astrologer Ashok Kharat. One case is being investigated at the Shirdi police station, while the other is under the jurisdiction of the Rahata police. During the course of this investigation, authorities uncovered more than 100 accounts linked to Kharat, through which transactions worth over Rs 60 crore were conducted after 2021, highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud.
Details of the Interrogation
Pratibha and Tanmay Chakankar arrived at the Shirdi police station at approximately 8:45 am. The inquiry was led by Additional SP (Ahilyanagar) Somnath Waghchoure and a specialised team from the Shirdi police. During the session, the mother and son were presented with bank records that detailed the Rs 2 crore movement in the credit society accounts held in their names.
Speaking to the media, SP Somnath Gharge confirmed the interrogation but noted that the duo denied any involvement. "The mother-son duo was questioned for nearly six hours. However, they denied having any role in the accounts at the credit society," Gharge stated.
Defense and Allegations
Pratibha Chakankar reportedly told investigating officers that she had neither opened nor operated the accounts and was entirely unaware of when they were created. She claimed that during a visit to the astrologer about two years ago, they had submitted their Aadhaar and PAN cards. She suggested that these documents may have been misused to open the accounts without her consent or knowledge, raising concerns about identity theft and document fraud in the case.
The investigation continues as police work to unravel the complex web of financial transactions and determine the extent of involvement of various individuals linked to the astrologer's alleged activities.
