Tragic End for Associate of Notorious Godman in Expressway Crash

A fatal car crash on the Samruddhi Expressway claimed the lives of Jitendra Shelke, a close associate of jailed godman Ashok Kharat, and his wife. Their son survived with serious injuries. The crash continues to be investigated, emphasizing the tragic consequences associated with Kharat's controversial legacy.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Mumbai | Updated: 17-04-2026 16:43 IST | Created: 17-04-2026 16:43 IST
Tragic End for Associate of Notorious Godman in Expressway Crash
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A tragic car accident on the Samruddhi Expressway resulted in the deaths of Jitendra Shelke and his wife Anuradha. Shelke, a close associate of the jailed self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, was heading from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Thane when the crash occurred.

The accident happened near Dhotre village, Ahilyanagar district, when the vehicle, driven by Shelke, collided with a stationary container truck. In the crash, Shelke's son sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Shelke's connection to the controversial godman, alongside his role as vice-president of the Shivanika Trust, adds complexity to the narrative. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, while the incident underscores the perils of high-speed expressway travel.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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