Claim of 17 Calls Between Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Kharat Sparks Political Storm

New Delhi: The case related to alleged impostor Baba Ashok Kharat has increased the political stir in Mumbai. Social activist Anjali Damania has claimed that there were several phone conversations between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Kharat. He says that this has come to light in the call detail record.

Did Shinde and Kharat really have multiple conversations?

While talking to a Marathi news channel, Damania said that he has call detail records (CDR) with him, according to which there were several conversations between the two. He also claimed that one of these conversations lasted for about 21 minutes. However, he did not clarify during which period these calls took place.

Have the names of other leaders also come forward?

According to Damania, this matter is not limited to Eknath Shinde only. He claimed that some other leaders of BJP and NCP had also spoken to Ashok Kharat on phone. Among these, Rupali Chakankar's name has figured prominently.

Was Rupali Chakankar the most discussed?

Damania claimed that according to the CDR, Kharat had the most conversations with Rupali Chakankar after his wife. There were reportedly 177 phone calls between the two, the total duration of which was said to be 33,727 seconds. After this matter came to light, Chakankar resigned from the post of chairman of the State Women Commission.

Are the names of BJP leaders also linked?

Names of BJP leaders have also surfaced in the allegations. Damania claimed that Chandrakant Patil and Sunil Tatkare had also talked to Kharat on phone several times. Apart from this, there is also talk of a call with Ashish Shelar.

What do the government and leaders say?

Responding to these allegations, Minister Uday Samant said that calling someone is not a crime in itself. BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule also said that criminal responsibility is established only when direct involvement in a crime is proven.

What is the whole matter and the status of investigation?

It is noteworthy that in March, a woman had accused Ashok Kharat of raping her several times over the course of three years, after which he was arrested. So far eight FIRs have been registered against him. At present this matter is under investigation and the round of allegations and counter-allegations is going on.