Jitendra Shelke, aged 55, and his wife Anuradha died in a car crash on the Samruddhi Expressway near Dhotre village in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district. The crash has raised suspicions among opposition leaders, particularly after the recent arrest of Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman, on serious charges including rape and extortion. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar expressed disbelief over the incident, suggesting it may have been orchestrated to prevent the emergence of critical facts regarding Kharat. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for an expedited investigation. Social activist Anjali Damania highlighted that Shelke had been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the allegations against Kharat, questioning the nature of his death. The crash also left Shelke's 14-year-old son seriously injured, who is currently hospitalized. A case of accidental death has been registered at the Kopargaon police station. Kharat remains in judicial custody as further investigations continue into multiple allegations against him.