Nashik godman Ashok Kharat's key aide dies in road accident

A close aide of Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat died in a road accident on Friday. The incident occurred on a highway when Dr Jitendra Shelke’s crashed into a parked trailer from behind. The collision was so severe that the car was wedged deep into the trailer up to its rear section.

While Dr Shelke died on the spot, his wife and son were seriously injured and were rushed to a hospital. The family was reportedly headed to Sambhajinagar when the mishap took place.

Dr 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. After Kharat's alleged misdeeds, including sexual exploitation of multiple women, financial misconduct, and land grabbing, came to light, the Shivnika Trust came under the radar of probe agencies.

However, Dr Shelke had not yet been questioned by investigators. Following his accidental death, political reactions have now begun around the incident.

UDDHAV SENA EXPRESSES SUSPICION

Dr Shelke's death has sparked various theories about the incident.

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."

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(With inputs from Nitin Mirane)

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