<p>Activist <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/anjali-damania-claims-links-between-senior-cop-and-godman-ashok-kharat-congress-mp-raises-encounter-prospects-23625745" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Anjali Damania</a> on Wednesday demanded that Rupali Chakankar be summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.</p>
<p>The SIT was constituted by the Maharashtra government to investigate multiple cases against Kharat, including sexual assault and cheating.</p>
<h2>Damania cites call records, seeks SIT action</h2>
<p>Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Damania claimed she possesses call data records indicating repeated communication between Chakankar and <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/anjali-damania-releases-call-data-linked-to-ashok-kharat-row-23623991" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Kharat</a>.</p>
<p>She alleged that 177 calls were exchanged between the two, including one conversation lasting over 20 minutes in a single day. Based on these claims, Damania said it was necessary for investigators to formally question Chakankar.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Even after a month, she has not been summoned. I will demand before the SIT that she be called for questioning,&rdquo; Damania said.</p>
<h2>Claims of wider political and official links</h2>
<p>Damania also released a list of alleged <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-political-row-erupts-over-godman-ashok-kharat-arrest-probe-takes-centre-stage-23625759" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">phone interactions</a> involving Kharat and several politicians and government officials, suggesting that his influence extended across multiple circles.</p>
<p>She claimed that while some individuals may have approached Kharat for personal or spiritual reasons, others may have had more specific motives.</p>
<p>According to Damania, the circumstances surrounding Kharat&rsquo;s rise warrant a deeper probe into possible connections and support systems.</p>
<h2>Questions raised over handling of investigation</h2>
<p>The activist further alleged lapses in police action, particularly regarding Kharat&rsquo;s wife, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/nashik-court-remands-godman-ashok-kharat-to-5-day-police-custody-in-fourth-rape-case-23625720" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Kalpana Kharat</a>, who is currently absconding.</p>
<p>She questioned why surveillance measures were not adequately enforced, suggesting the possibility of negligence or deliberate inaction that may have aided individuals linked to the case.</p>
<p>Damania also criticised Chakankar&rsquo;s earlier remarks describing the issue as a &ldquo;media trial,&rdquo; asserting that the call data in her possession justified a thorough and impartial investigation.</p>
<h2>Financial links under scanner</h2>
<p>In a related development, police earlier questioned <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-ed-probes-godman-ashok-kharat-for-money-laundering-under-pmla-23625508" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Pratibha Chakankar</a>, sister of Rupali Chakankar, in connection with alleged use of her bank account by Kharat.</p>
<p>Investigators are examining financial transactions as part of the broader probe, alongside criminal allegations against the accused.</p>
<h2>Multiple agencies probing the case</h2>
<p>Kharat, who remains in police custody, is facing multiple criminal cases, including sexual assault and cheating. The Enforcement Directorate is also probing a suspected money laundering angle and has conducted raids at locations linked to him.</p>
<h2>Probe intensifies amid growing controversy</h2>
<p>The case has triggered a political and legal controversy in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-nashik-godman-ashok-kharat-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-exploitation-of-women-23622251?2010-nov-breakingnews" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Maharashtra</a>, with allegations, counter-allegations, and demands for accountability continuing to emerge.</p>
<p>Authorities have maintained that the investigation is ongoing, with the SIT expected to examine all relevant evidence, including call records and financial transactions, before drawing conclusions.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from Agencies)</strong></p>

Activist Anjali Damania on Wednesday demanded that Rupali Chakankar be summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations

Ashok Kharat case: Anjali Damania seeks Rupali Chakankar’s questioning by SIT

Devendra Fadnavis urges Maharashtra MPs to back women's quota bills; Congress calls it a ploy

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Damania claimed she possesses call data records indicating repeated communication between Chakankar and Kharat

Ashok Kharat case: Anjali Damania seeks Rupali Chakankar’s questioning by SIT

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Ashok Kharat case: Anjali Damania seeks Rupali Chakankar’s questioning by SIT

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