Cong MP Praniti says Kharat might be killed in encounter to protect big fish, Bawankule tells her to share information with SIT

Pune: Congress MP Praniti Shinde on Tuesday said arrested astrologer Ashok Kharat might be killed in an encounter to protect big politicians linked to him, prompting cabinet minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule's suggestion that she should approach the agency probing the case if she had any classified information.Praniti said, "Some names related to this case have come out and more names, including some ministers, are likely to be revealed as the investigation progresses. Before these names are exposed, something might happen to Kharat. I suspect that somebody might kill him in an encounter. "The Congress MP made the statement after activist Anjali Damania recently came out with call records of Kharat and claimed that several politicians were constantly in touch with the arrested astrologer.Reacting to Praniti's claim, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule said if there was any such plan, it should be investigated. "Praniti is a responsible elected representative. She must have made the statement on the basis of some information and it should reach the chief minister for further probe," Supriya said.Cabinet minister Bawankule said elected representatives should be more careful while making statements related to sensitive issues. "Some people keep making irresponsible statements to deviate from the investigation. If she (Praniti) has any information (about the encounter conspiracy), she should share it with the SIT, which is probing the case," Bawankule said.Ahead of the the special Parliament session convened from April 16 to 18 to pass some bills, including the women's reservationbill enabling 33% quota for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies from 2029, Praniti cited the example of cases of sexual harassmentof women by Kharat and said, "It is so contrasting. The govt is set to bring the women's reservation bill, but at the same time, cases of women's harassment are coming up. The govt needs to address the issue of women's safety on priority."Chakankar seeks inquiry into letter against her, says no evidence given in 28 daysFormer state women's commission chief and NCP member Rupali Chakankar on Tuesday demanded an inquiry to find out who "leaked" the alleged letter against her submitted to the SIT investigating the Ashok Kharat case.According to some reports, an anonymous letter from Beed was submitted to the SIT mentioning Chakankar's name. The NCP member took to her ‘X' handle to raise questions over the authenticity of the letter."There should be an inquiry to find out who wrote that letter. The probe should also reveal the name of the person who leaked the letter to the media to deliberately target me and tarnish my image. It has been 28 days that allegations are being made against me but till date, no evidence has been given. Since SIT is investigating the case, I have deliberately restrained myself from giving any explanation,"Chakankar wrote.