Former Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar was questioned for nearly six hours on Sunday by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of rape and extortion against jailed astrologer Ashok Kharat, officials said.
The questioning took place at the Maharashtra Police Academy and was conducted by the SIT headed by Tejaswi Satpute.
Chakankar, who resigned from her position following the controversy, was reportedly questioned about her association with Kharat and her role as a trustee of the Shiwanika Trust headed by him.
Speaking to reporters after the interrogation, Chakankar said she had fully cooperated with investigators. “I have provided fitting answers to all questions raised by the SIT. I believe the inquiry committee must have been satisfied with the answers,” she said.
Kharat was arrested on March 18 after a complaint was filed at the Sarkarwada Police Station. During the investigation, police found that Chakankar had links with Kharat’s trust while simultaneously holding prominent public positions, including leading the state women’s commission and serving as president of the women’s wing of Nationalist Congress Party.
According to sources in the SIT, the questioning could not be completed due to time limitations and Chakankar may be summoned again for further inquiry.
Investigators reportedly focused on how Chakankar came into contact with Kharat, the circumstances under which she joined the trust, and whether any alleged victims had approached her during her tenure. Officials also sought information regarding possible political or financial favours allegedly connected to Kharat and whether Chakankar had any knowledge of such activities.
Responding to allegations that she may have protected Kharat, Chakankar said that many questions would become clearer after the investigation report is submitted. She also dismissed concerns raised about certain cooperative credit society accounts, claiming they were “shell accounts” and asserting that the full facts would emerge once the probe concludes.
Officials clarified that Chakankar has not been named as an accused in any complaint linked to Kharat so far. The SIT investigation is continuing to determine the extent of her association with the astrologer and whether there were any lapses or irregularities connected to the case.
