A tragic road accident on Maharashtra’s Samruddhi Expressway has claimed the lives of Dr Jitendra Shelke, a senior functionary linked to the trust of controversial godman Ashok Kharat, and his wife, triggering political reactions and raising fresh questions amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate investigation.
Senior trust official dies in expressway crash
Dr Jitendra Shelke, 55, died on the spot on Friday after the car he was travelling in crashed into a stationary trailer on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district. The impact was so severe that the car got lodged underneath the trailer, causing catastrophic damage.
His wife, Anuradha Shelke, 50, and their 14-year-old son were critically injured in the collision and were immediately rushed to hospital. While Anuradha later succumbed to her injuries during treatment, their son is currently undergoing medical care.
Family was travelling towards Shirdi
According to preliminary reports, the family was travelling between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Shirdi when the accident took place. Investigators are still examining the exact cause of the crash, but the collision has attracted major attention because of Shelke’s role in an ongoing financial crime probe.
Key aide in trust under investigation
Shelke served as the vice president of Shivnika Trust, an organisation founded by Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman currently facing multiple serious allegations, including sexual abuse, financial irregularities, and illegal land acquisitions.
Investigators believe Shelke played a major role in facilitating land purchases carried out by the trust. Authorities suspect that several of these properties may have been obtained through fraudulent means.
ED probe adds significance to death
Earlier this month, the Enforcement Directorate launched a money laundering probe against Kharat and his alleged associates, conducting raids at several locations across Maharashtra. Despite being considered a crucial link in the trust’s operations, Shelke had reportedly not yet been questioned by investigators.
This has made his sudden death particularly significant, especially as the probe into the trust’s financial dealings intensifies.
Political leaders demand deeper investigation
The accident has also sparked speculation among political leaders, with opposition voices calling for a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare said, “The news of Jitendra Shelke’s death is shocking… This also raises serious questions about Kharat’s safety.”
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also demanded a full probe, saying, “One wonders whether the accident was orchestrated to ensure certain facts about Kharat do not come out. A detailed investigation must be conducted.”
With the ED probe underway and political scrutiny mounting, the fatal crash has now added a new layer of mystery to the already controversial case surrounding Ashok Kharat and his trust.
Q1. Who was Jitendra Shelke?
Jitendra Shelke was the vice president of Shivnika Trust, linked to godman Ashok Kharat.
Q2. What happened in the accident?
Shelke died after his car rammed into a stationary trailer on the Samruddhi Expressway.
Q3. Why is this incident significant?
Shelke was considered an important figure in an ongoing ED investigation into the trust’s alleged financial irregularities.
Q4. What have political leaders said?
Leaders including Sushma Andhare and Rohit Pawar have demanded a detailed investigation into the crash.
