Nashik godman Ashok Kharat's key aide dies in road accident
Dr Jitendra Shelke was the Vice President of Shivnika Trust. He had been a close associate of Kharat's for several years. He played an important role in land purchases made by the trust.
A close aide of Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat died on Friday, along with his wife, after the car they were travelling in got into a horrific crash. The incident occurred on the Samruddhi Expressway in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtrawhen when Dr Jitendra Shelke’s car rammed into a stationary trailer from behind.
While the 55-year-old died on the spot, his wife and son were seriously injured and were rushed to a hospital. His spouse, 50-year-old Anuradha, later succumbed to her injuries.
The collision was so severe that the car was wedged deep into the trailer. The family was reportedly headed to Sambhajinagar when the incident took place.
Shelke was the vice president of Shivnika Trust, which was set up by Kharat himself. He played an important role in land purchases made by the trust. After Kharat's alleged misdeeds, including sexual abuse of multiple women, financial misconduct, and land grabbing, came to light, the Shivnika Trust came under the radar of probe agencies too.
Earlier this month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a money-laundering probe against Kharat and his alleged associates with multiple raids across Maharashtra in connection with allegations that several properties amassed by the jailed 'godman' were acquired through fraudulent means.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, the accident that claimed Shelke's life happened when he lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a container truck parked on the roadside. His 14-year-old son sustained serious injuries in the incident and was rushed to a private hospital.
OPPOSITION EXPRESSES SUSPICION
Following Shelke's death, some theories about a possible conspiracy have surfaced from rivals of Maharashtra's BJP-led ruling coalition.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare said, "The news of Jitendra Shelke’s death is shocking. Many people had expressed concerns earlier that Kharat or his close associates might be in danger. Numerous people had raised such fears. Now, this incident seems to validate those concerns somewhere. This also raises serious questions about Kharat’s safety."
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said, "One wonders whether the accident was orchestrated to ensure certain facts about Kharat do not come out. A detailed investigation must be conducted."
Kharat was arrested last month after a married woman claimed that he raped her repeatedly over three years.
A close aide of Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat died on Friday, along with his wife, after the car they were travelling in got into a horrific crash. The incident occurred on the Samruddhi Expressway in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtrawhen when Dr Jitendra Shelke’s car rammed into a stationary trailer from behind.
While the 55-year-old died on the spot, his wife and son were seriously injured and were rushed to a hospital. His spouse, 50-year-old Anuradha, later succumbed to her injuries.
The collision was so severe that the car was wedged deep into the trailer. The family was reportedly headed to Sambhajinagar when the incident took place.
Shelke was the vice president of Shivnika Trust, which was set up by Kharat himself. He played an important role in land purchases made by the trust. After Kharat's alleged misdeeds, including sexual abuse of multiple women, financial misconduct, and land grabbing, came to light, the Shivnika Trust came under the radar of probe agencies too.
Earlier this month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a money-laundering probe against Kharat and his alleged associates with multiple raids across Maharashtra in connection with allegations that several properties amassed by the jailed 'godman' were acquired through fraudulent means.
According to officials cited by news agency PTI, the accident that claimed Shelke's life happened when he lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a container truck parked on the roadside. His 14-year-old son sustained serious injuries in the incident and was rushed to a private hospital.
OPPOSITION EXPRESSES SUSPICION
Following Shelke's death, some theories about a possible conspiracy have surfaced from rivals of Maharashtra's BJP-led ruling coalition.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare said, "The news of Jitendra Shelke’s death is shocking. Many people had expressed concerns earlier that Kharat or his close associates might be in danger. Numerous people had raised such fears. Now, this incident seems to validate those concerns somewhere. This also raises serious questions about Kharat’s safety."
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said, "One wonders whether the accident was orchestrated to ensure certain facts about Kharat do not come out. A detailed investigation must be conducted."
Kharat was arrested last month after a married woman claimed that he raped her repeatedly over three years.
