Nashik — SIT questioning at Maharashtra Police Academy
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of sexual assault and political patronage linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat on Saturday questioned former Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar at the Maharashtra Police Academy in Nashik, officials said.
The SIT, formed to examine accusations against Kharat and his alleged network, is being led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute. The questioning began at the academy premises earlier in the day, the reports said.
Allegations under scrutiny
The probe relates to Chakankar’s reported role as a trustee of Kharat’s Shivanika Trust and claims that she may have influenced police officials to suppress cases against him, according to news reports. Authorities set up the SIT to look into multiple angles, including alleged sexual assault by Kharat and possible protection from scrutiny through political or administrative channels.
Akashvani News reported that Chakankar had previously not responded to SIT summons,
“citing personal reasons”— a decision that drew criticism from several activists. The same reports say she has since resigned from her posts in the State Commission for Women and from a leadership role in the Nationalist Congress Party’s women’s wing.
Local context and implications
Nashik — home to the Maharashtra Police Academy where the SIT is conducting parts of its probe — has become a focal point in what authorities portray as a wider inquiry into alleged criminal activity connected to a religious figure with reported political reach. The investigation has potential implications for policing practices, departmental accountability and the credibility of institutions that intersect with faith-based organisations.
- SIT leader: IPS Tejaswi Satpute
- Person questioned: Rupali Chakankar, former chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Women
- Alleged connection: Trusteeship of Shivanika Trust and possible influence on police action
Officials have not released detailed public statements about the line of questioning or evidence presented during the SIT session at Nashik. The SIT probe is part of a continuing inquiry and further details may be disclosed as investigations progress or if formal charges are filed.
Timeline
| Date / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Prior to May 10, 2026 | Chakankar reportedly skipped earlier SIT summons, citing personal reasons; activists criticised the non-appearance |
| May 10, 2026 | SIT questioning of Rupali Chakankar began at the Maharashtra Police Academy in Nashik under IPS Tejaswi Satpute |
| Before May 10, 2026 | Chakankar reportedly resigned from the State Commission for Women and NCP women’s wing posts |
Local residents and civic activists in Nashik have been following developments closely. The case has drawn public attention because it raises questions about the interface between religious organisations and political influence in the state. Rights groups who had criticised Chakankar’s earlier non-appearance to the SIT have said that full cooperation with investigators is essential for clarity and accountability.
Law enforcement sources in Nashik said the SIT’s proceedings are ongoing and that investigators will take further steps as required under the law. The probe continues to examine whether any public officials were improperly influenced and whether criminal offences occurred within the scope of the Shivanika Trust’s activities or otherwise.
As the investigation proceeds at the Maharashtra Police Academy, residents of Nashik, where the SIT is based for this phase of the probe, are likely to see renewed attention from state authorities and media. Officials have not provided a public timetable for the conclusion of the SIT’s inquiry.
Further updates will depend on formal communications from the SIT or the state police as investigators move from questioning to any potential legal action.
